What should be done with a subject's hands during a pat down?

During a pat down, it is crucial to control the subject's hands for safety. This practice helps ensure that the officer conducting the search can prevent the subject from reaching for any potential weapons or attempting to resist during the search. By managing the position of the subject's hands, officers can maintain a secure environment for both themselves and the individual being searched.

Controlling the hands might involve keeping them visible and at the subject's sides or guiding them to a position where they can be more easily monitored without restricting movement to a point that would be unnecessarily aggressive or uncomfortable. This controlled approach allows for a thorough and safe search while minimizing the risk of escalation.

Other options, while they may seem feasible, do not take the necessary precautions into account. For example, restraining hands with tape could limit the subject's ability to cooperate and might lead to unnecessary confrontation. Allowing hands to move freely could pose a significant risk if the subject reaches for a weapon. Holding the hands behind the back might be overly restrictive in certain search situations and could increase tension. Ultimately, the best practice is to control the hands effectively to ensure the safety of everyone involved.