Systematic search procedures and techniques applied to all aspects of counter terrorism and crime search.
The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge, understanding, skill, attitude and behaviour of police officers who will perform the role of a licensed search officer (LSO).
At the end of this training, a delegate will be competent to operate as an effective member of a police search team.
LSOs act as part of a police search team. They are trained in tried-and-tested techniques to systematically search in situations where a high level of assurance is required. They work in pairs, usually under the direction of a police search adviser (PolSA), on three categories of deployment – counter-terrorism, crime and missing person searches. Licensed search officers not only use techniques required to search effectively, but they also have the awareness to identify suspicious items/component parts of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
| Prerequisites |
Standard search e-learning modules (accessed via College Learn – you will need to log in). |
|---|---|
| Duration |
Five days |
| Accreditation |
Yes
Accreditation notes:
On successful completion of the course, delegates are licensed as LSOs. To remain in licence, delegates must comply with a variety of annual relicensing conditions. |
| Course contact |
Police National Search Centre, College of Policing
|
Format and assessment
The course is a mixture of instructor-led sessions and practical exercises.
Delegates are continuously assessed through the practical components and a series of knowledge checks.
Course content
- The identification of terrorist munitions and substances used to produce IEDs.
- Terrorist methods of attack.
- Defensive building search.
- Vehicle search.
- Open area search.
- Venue search.
- Person search.
- Route search.
- Dynamic risk assessments.
- Knowledge and understanding of ‘hide’ locations.
- Safety precautions and minimum safety distances.
- Maintaining documentation.
- Actions on explosive, non-explosive and firearms finds.
- Knowledge and understanding of the role of other agencies.
About the Police National Search Centre
Our Police National Search Centre (PNSC) is the sole authorised provider of police counter terrorism search, missing persons search and security coordination training for the UK police service. It offers four core courses but can tailor bespoke training for UK or international clients.
The PNSC is a joint police and military unit. Authorised by the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC), it is the sole provider of training in counter-terrorism, crime and missing person search techniques to the UK police service.
With more than 30 years' experience and a unique blend of military and police trainers utilising the expertise of the Royal Engineers and the UK police service, the unit is internationally recognised as the world leader in the development and training of counter-terrorism systematic search techniques.
The PNSC delivers a range of specialist courses in search and security. After training, students will be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge required to plan and conduct efficient and effective searches in order to:
- obtain evidence for prosecutions
- gain intelligence
- assist in countering terrorism
- tackle criminality, by depriving criminals of their resources and opportunities
- locate vulnerable missing people
- protect potential targets and key events.
Training is delivered using a number of techniques. These include an e-learning modular package for standard search techniques, and instructor-led learning coupled with practical and assessed exercises.
Outcomes
Trained search assets have:
- motivation
- high levels of professionalism
- the ability to plan with confidence
- flexibility to respond to changing circumstances
- evidential and forensic awareness
- increased self-assurance
The benefits of trained search assets are:
- consistency of the training and the trained
- higher percentage find rate
- preparation of court-ready documentation
- increased public reassurance
- increased cost-effectiveness
- increased deterrence to terrorists and criminals