A method and apparatus for improving searching in a remote unit of a slotted mode, wireless, communication system. In a slotted mode communication system, the remote unit is in an “active state” during its assigned slot. While in the active state, a controller in the remote unit passes selected sets of search parameters to a search engine. The integration interval of the searches performed is based on the measured signal strength of another base station. The search engine performs searches using the integration interval. Searching continues as long as the remote unit is in the active state. When the remote unit enters the inactive state, searching ceases.