Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission CELL SEARCH Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission JRA Academy revised (12-28-2010) TMB

What is a Cell Search? A systematic and thorough physical examination by one or more Staff of the entire cell for the purpose of discovery and detection of weapons, contraband, maintenance or security problems. revised 070207 REK

Principles Cell Search Be Professional Be Systematic Be Thorough Stay Focused Be Curious Be Objective Look Before You Touch Document

When to Conduct a Cell Search Search an client’s housing assignment in accordance with JRA policy. Search cells before initially placing an clients in the cell and after an clients has been removed from cell. Search based upon receiving information of suspected contraband, health or safety issues. revised (12-28-2010) TMB

Cell Search Preparation Identify the equipment or tools you will need and secure them. Formulate a plan. If the client is in the cell, observe him closely. Does he have obvious weapons??? Ensure that you have no keys accessible to the client. revised (12-28-2010) TMB

Cell Search Kit Clipboard Property Receipt 1 Flashlight Pair of rubber gloves Pen Security screwdriver Evidence Container 1 Flashlight Wire probe 18” long Mirror Mallet Putty Knife Phillips head screwdriver Regular screwdriver Evidence bags and report forms

Prior to opening the cell door: Be observant Look cell over prior to entry. It can tell a lot about the client that lives there. Give directions to stand for a search. Are they cooperative? Have them step to the cell door and turn around with their back to the cell door. This gives you attitude indicators prior to opening the cell door. Move the client to increase personal safety and to prevent the client from knowing your search method.

Pat Frisk clients Have them back out of the cell. Search them and have them escorted from the immediate area. clients must be searched to keep them from carrying contraband on their person, in turn nullifying the search. revised (12-28-2010) TMB

Cell Search Procedures Determine a systematic search pattern. Enter the cell, close the door and observe the door as the client would see it. Search the entire cell or area. Inspect the structural integrity of all bars-locks-hinges windows vents moldings and equipment by visual inspection and tools when necessary. revised (12-28-2010) TMB

Cell Search Procedures Start at the entrance and search progressively around the cell. Search from top to bottom, section by section. Examine each item thoroughly, then return it to where you found it. Be respectful. Be physical with, but don’t damage items. revised (12-28-2010) TMB

Areas in a cell that must be checked are: Cell Doors Cell Front Bed Mattress Bed Frame Toilet Toilet Paper Walls Mail and Property Sink Ventilation Ducts Corners of Rooms Shelves Clothing Property bins Floor Ceiling revised (12-28-2010) TMB

CELL DOOR Check lock with probe, inspect hinges, pulls and hardware Check channels and jambs Check bars (if present) Close the door and examine it from the inside Check the top and bottom, right and left of the door revised (12-28-2010) TMB

BEDDING Inspect blankets (seams, hems and check for loose stitching). Inspect both sides. Inspect pillow and pillowcase. Inspect sheets. revised (12-28-2010) TMB

MATTRESS Check both sides. Check seams for rips and tears. Roll the mattress both ways (length and width). Remove it from bed frame. Use a hand held metal detector if available. revised (12-28-2010) TMB

BED FRAME Inspect top, check slats and hinges. Inspect legs. Inspect bottom/underneath. Move bed away from wall. Check sides. revised (12-28-2010) TMB

TOILET Inspect base of toilet. Flush valve. Under toilet rim. Check back of toilet. Check where toilet connects to the wall. Flush toilet. revised (12-28-2010) TMB

SINK (WASH BASIN) All sides. Faucet valves. Wall connection. Drains. Soap bar. Soap holder and dish. Faucet valves. Drains. Pipes. Underneath sink.

VENTILATION DUCTS Check grate integrity Check for storage of contraband Check for tampering Check for items suspended Use probe, flashlight and mirror Sniff for signs of alcohol and drugs revised (12-28-2010) TMB

SHELVES Check ledges, corners and hardware. Check wall connection. Check surface for damage and cracks. Underneath including ledges and hardware. revised (12-28-2010) TMB

CLOTHING AND STORAGE BIN Check seams, double layers, hems and pockets. Examine property bin underneath, top, sides, back, and underside of lid (if appropriate). Use flashlight, probe and mirror revised (12-28-2010) TMB

FLOOR, WALLS, AND CEILINGS Drains (check for items suspended in drains). Hardware. Use probe and flashlight. Check cracks, fissures and paint. Check light fixtures and outlets.

MAIL AND PROPERTY Search books including bindings, flip through pages, check bookmarks. Check letters and property thoroughly for escape plans, suicide notes, threats, etc. Toothpaste tubes, shampoo, medicine bottles, deodorant, etc. Check pictures for false backs Papers, boxes and bags

Look in both the obvious and the not so obvious places Look in both the obvious and the not so obvious places. Anticipate where the client thinks you won’t look. revised (12-28-2010) TMB

Disposition of found Contraband First: Know what is authorized prior to the search. Contraband found should be: documented well enough that staff could take the item back and lay it where it was originally found. logged. Dangerous items are placed in evidence lockers for security and to protect the chain of evidence, awaiting disciplinary action, trial etc.

Disposition of found Contraband Staff finding contraband should discuss methods of disposal with the client if applicable. Items can be mailed home at clients expense, donated or destroyed. Accurate records on items removed from cell and the disposition of items removed can reduce costly tort claims. revised (12-28-2010) TMB

(7) Minimum items to list on an evidence tag: 5. Time 6. Date 7. Evidence number 1. Description of item. 2. Location, specifically. 3. client’s name. 4. Staff who found it. revised (12-28-2010) TMB

3 Reasons to Conduct a Cell Search Locate Contraband Discover Maintenance Hazards Discover Safety Hazards revised (12-28-2010) TMB

CELL SEARCH REVIEW Why do we conduct cell searches? What items are needed for a search kit? What are the key principles in searching a cell? What items/areas need to be searched? What do you do with the contraband? What is required on an evidence tag? revised (12-28-2010) TMB