Arrest and Search of Persons

Year Published: 1958

Creator: U.S. Army

Description: This U.S. Army film "Arrest and Search of Persons" (1958) offers a comprehensive training guide on military police (MP) procedures for arresting and processing suspects, emphasizing caution, control, and thoroughness. It begins with a robbery, and shows how MPs identify and arrest a suspect. It then shows how to safely detain suspects and perform a “wall search” to uncover weapons or hidden items.It details how prisoners should be restrained and seated in transport vehicles to prevent resistance or escape. It underscores the need for measured but firm use of force. Later segments cover arrests in private spaces. It shows coordinated raids on high-risk suspects and concludes by reinforcing fundamental arrest principles. 00:00 A robbery in a store, introducing a suspect known for pulling on his left earlobe—a habit that becomes a key identifier. 1:10:Military police (MPs) spot a man matching the suspect’s description and discuss tactics for making safe arrests away from busy intersections. 2:30:The arrest is carried out quietly and methodically; the suspect is frisked using the “wall search” method, considered safest for uncovering hidden weapons. 4:00:Instructions emphasize not patting down suspects but rather sliding hands over their body to detect thin or flat objects. 5:30: The prisoner is carefully restrained and transported, seated in a way that minimizes his ability to resist or access weapons. [7:00:MPs are reminded that arrests involve depriving someone of their freedom and should be conducted with enough force to ensure compliance but not escalate resistance. 8:30:Upon arrival at headquarters, all property is logged and signed for. If the prisoner is charged with a serious crime, a complete strip search is conducted in a secure room. 10:00:Checking body crevices and clothing for hidden weapons, narcotics, or tools for escape or suicide. 12:00: A dramatized reenactment shows the fatal consequence of an officer granting a prisoner a favor before a full search—highlighting the importance of strict procedure. 14:30:Another suspect is tracked to a hotel and arrested in his room with extreme caution, ensuring all avenues of escape are covered and the room is cleared of danger. 17:00: The prisoner is dressed only after his clothes are searched. Proper posture and weapon handling are stressed to maintain control during the arrest. 19:30: Female military offenders are handled differently; MPs do not search their persons but may check bags and must rely on civilian matrons for detention. 21:00:Drunk and disorderly soldiers are arrested for their own protection. Excessive force is discouraged unless absolutely necessary. 22:30: Armed AWOL soldiers are pursued after robbing filling stations. Vehicle pursuit tactics are shown, emphasizing safety and coordinated apprehension. 24:30:Once stopped, suspects are searched and handcuffed with their own belts to prevent escape. The search of the stolen vehicle follows. 26:00: If only one MP is present, he must wait for backup before transporting prisoners. Proper prisoner control procedures are reiterated. 27:30: A major raid is prepared to capture a deserter and black-market leader. Surveillance precedes a coordinated early-morning civilian police-led arrest. 30:00:he suspect surrenders and is arrested outside to avoid access to weapons inside. A female accomplice is detained and questioned. [33:00:In Germany, MPs lead raids with local police when civilians are involved. Detailed assignments, weapon choices, and positions are reviewed in a pre-raid briefing. 36:00:The raid is executed with precision; the suspect surrenders and is secured, highlighting the need for coordination and awareness of weapon safety. 38:00: Summarizing key arrest principles: use at least two officers, maintain control, search thoroughly, deny pre-processing favors, and take full responsibility for the prisoner’s custody.

Online Copy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1ORz9zSL7E

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