Coast Guard Boarding Officer (BO) Practice Test & Study Guide

When an officer performs a search of an individual after an arrest, it is crucial to ensure that the search is thorough and compliant with legal standards designed to protect both the officer and the individual being searched. A detailed search of outer clothing allows the officer to check for any weapons or contraband that could pose a threat during the arrest. The thorough crush and feel search is an essential part of the officer's duty to ensure their own safety and that of others around them. This type of search goes beyond a casual inspection and allows the officer to physically probe for items that may be concealed within clothing.

In contrast, a visual inspection would not provide the same level of assurance regarding concealed items and would leave both the officer and the public vulnerable to potential harm. A basic pat down may cover some necessary areas, but it lacks the comprehensive nature of a detailed search, which is necessary in the context of an arrest where an individual could possess illegal or dangerous items. Initial photographic documentation, while useful for record-keeping or evidence, does not address the immediate safety concerns during the arrest and is therefore not a substitute for a proper search of the individual.

The requirement for a detailed search reflects the legal and procedural responsibilities of law enforcement officers to maintain safety and uphold the law