Which search method is used when a subject is taken into custody in an unsecured environment and involves patting and squeezing clothing?

• A. Custodial search
• B. Pat search
• C. Strip search
• D. Clothed search

Answer: (A)

When someone is taken into custody, safety requires a custodial search to check for weapons or contraband. In an unsecured environment, this search is performed by patting down the person and feeling through clothing and outer pockets to detect concealed items. This method is specifically about ensuring safety before moving or processing the person, without removing clothing. A strip search would involve removing clothing and is not what’s described here, and other terms like a casual pat-down or clothed search aren’t the standard label for the custody context. So, custodial search best fits the scenario.