In a pat search it is good practice to separate the body into ___ quadrants.

• A. 2
• B. 3
• C. 6
• D. 4

Answer: (D)

Dividing the body into four quadrants gives a thorough, systematic pat-down. By splitting into upper-left, upper-right, lower-left, and lower-right sections, you can sweep each area of the outer clothing in a consistent, repeatable pattern. This four-quadrant approach helps ensure complete coverage and reduces the chance of missing a weapon, which is crucial in a fast, safety-focused encounter. Two quadrants would leave half the body unchecked, three creates an uneven division, and more than four adds unnecessary complexity, making the search less efficient and harder to perform under pressure.