Pat Down Searches - What to Expect Social Story

Overview

These social stories were created to describe the process of pat down searches and what to expect for individuals with autism.

Graphic of a police officer with his arms crossed.

If I am stopped by the police, a police officer may do a pat down search.

Graphic of a man with his hands in the air. He is doing what the police officer is asking him to do.

A pat down search is a search of a person’s body and outer clothing.

Graphic of a gun and a knife.

The police officer does a pat down search to make sure I do not have anything that could be used to hurt myself or someone else (like a gun or a knife).

Graphic of a man telling the police officer

It’s my choice if I want to tell the police officer that I have autism.

Graphic of an officer saying

I should follow all instructions that the police officer gives me.

Graphic of a man standing with his hands out of his pocket.

I should keep my hands out of my pockets so the police officer can see my hands at all times.

Graphic of two hands on a brick wall.

The police officer may ask me to put my hands on a wall and to spread my legs apart.

Graphic of searching a man.

The police officer will use their hands to feel around the waistband of my pants.

Graphic of an officer using a Magnetic wand to search a man.

The police officer will use their hands along my arms on the outside of my clothing.

Graphic of an officer using his hands to search a man..

The police officer will use their hands along my legs on the outside of my clothing.

Graphic of an officer using his hands to search pockets .

The police officer will use their hands to check my pockets. They will take away anything from my pocket or my person that is illegal or could be used to hurt someone or hurt myself.

Graphic of an officer telling a man

After the pat down search, the police officer will tell me if I can I go home or if I am being charged with a crime.

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This information was developed by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT). For more information, please contact ASERT at 877-231-4244 or info@PAautism.org. ASERT is funded by the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services.