When conducting a vehicle search, what is required?

• A. Only inspect exterior
• B. Thoroughly search vehicles before and after transport
• C. Search only if there is suspicion
• D. Rely on prior notes

Answer: (B)

A thorough vehicle search is required to ensure safety and accountability by validating both what’s inside and outside the vehicle, and doing it twice—before transport and after transport. Before moving a vehicle, you inspect the interior and exterior for any hazards, ensure the cargo is secure, and verify there’s nothing dangerous or unauthorized loaded. After transport, you repeat the search to confirm nothing was hidden, removed, or tampered with, and to document the vehicle’s condition for records. This two-step approach helps prevent injuries, ensures proper cargo handling, and maintains a clear trail of what was in the vehicle.

Inspecting only the exterior misses items inside the vehicle that could pose risks. Searching only if there’s suspicion allows dangerous or illicit items to go unnoticed. Relying on prior notes doesn’t prove the current condition of the vehicle.