For what primary purpose were the five S's established when dealing with detainees?

The five S's were established to ensure safety and security when dealing with detainees. This practice is essential for maintaining control in a potentially volatile situation, as it provides a framework for processing detainees while minimizing risks to both the personnel involved and the detainees themselves. The five S's—Search, Segregate, Silently handle, Safeguard, and Speed up the processing—are designed to promote adherence to safety protocols and maintain security throughout the detention process.

By focusing on safety and security, these procedures help ensure that all interactions are performed in a manner that upholds the rights and dignity of detainees while also protecting the personnel from any threat posed by the detainees. In this way, the five S's reinforce the Marine Corps’ commitment to operational effectiveness, ethical conduct, and respect for human rights, which are critical aspects of mission success.