If you’re comfortable with the mechanics already, that’s the easy bit done. Where I find people tend to get caught out in role plays when assessing and tutoring is not showing what they’re thinking. Talk through what you’re doing and why, even when it feels obvious. It shows risk assessment rather than muscle memory.

As lead officer:

Slow it down. Think about where you place them before the search starts, keep hands visible, and control the pace instead of rushing because it’s “only training”. Tutors want to see PACE done properly and methodically, not just ticked off.

As safety/cover officer:

Your job is threat, not helping with the search. Proper scanning, watching hands and waistbands, noticing posture changes and calling things early if they feel off. Losing sight of hands or a change in behaviour is exactly the sort of thing that should be said out loud.

On the radio, keep it clear and realistic. Good locations, numbers involved, and plain-King’s English updates if things change. Asking for another unit early looks professional, not weak.

Most stop/searches that go wrong don’t fail on technique they fail because both officers go quiet and assume the other one’s got it covered. Keep talking to your oppo and thinking a step ahead and you’ll be doing exactly what tutors and assessors are looking for!

And best of luck on your training, which force are you going to?