Searches in Corrections

Authority AR 422 NRS NRS NRS

Searches Types Relationship with contraband Process of searching Conditions

Strip or Unclothed Search Upon initial admission or re-admission into a facility After any contact visit After reasonable suspicion that an inmate may have contraband on their person Utilized to control the flow of contraband coming into a facility

Strip or Unclothed Search Conditions apply to normal operations –Should be done by two officers –Should be done out of public view –Should be done by officers of the same sex as the inmate –Officers should maintain professionalism at all times –Officers should not touch the inmates at any time during the search

Strip or Unclothed Search Conducting the search –The primary officer gives the commands –Either officer can conduct the search –One officer must maintain a visual on the inmate at all times

Strip or Unclothed Search Start at the head –Hair, mouth, ears, nose Search the torso –Under arms, between fingers, under fatty areas, the groin area Search the lower body –Legs, toes, and anal area

Strip or Unclothed Search If contraband is suspected in a body cavity or cast –Notify your chain of command –Contact medical personnel immediately Note: No one, except medical personnel, is authorized to conduct a body cavity search

Clothed or Pat–Down Searches When an inmate moves from one area of the institution to another When an inmate leaves a work assignment When an inmate returns to a supervisor after being in a non supervised area Utilized to control the flow of contraband inside the facility

Clothed or Pat–Down Searches Conducted by one officer The inmate should remove all items in pockets Can be conducted from various positions

Clothed or Pat–Down Searches Note: In the event of a possible bloodborne exposure, be sure to follow the training received in the bloodborne pathogen class Start at the head Squeeze the collar and all seams Check one side at a time

Clothed or Pat–Down Searches Check the torso area Check the belt line Check the buttocks and groin area Check the legs Check the shoes Check the items from the pockets

Cell Searches Should be conducted regularly Used to eliminate the danger of forbidden articles Note: In the event of a possible bloodborne exposure, be sure to follow the training received in the bloodborne pathogen class

Cell Searches Use the proper tools / equipment –To include PPE (e.g. latex gloves) Think like an inmate Search the inmates and move them to a secure area Survey the room

Cell Searches Choose a starting point Be systematic Be thorough Search the entire area Try not to damage anything See what you touch (making sure to wear your PPE)

Perimeter Checking the perimeter for contraband, or evidence of or the ability of a possible escape.Checking the perimeter for contraband, or evidence of or the ability of a possible escape.

Vehicle Searches Should be conducted on every vehicle entering/exiting a facility Used to prevent escapes Used to prevent the introduction of contraband to a facility Used to prevent contraband exiting a facility

Vehicle Searches Look in passenger areas Look in freight compartments Look in trunks Look in motor areas Look at the underside of the vehicle

Documentation A requirement for ALL Searches Written receipt for ALL items taken Done to reduce liability

Searches Prevention –Control and limit the contraband in the institution by conducting efficient and appropriate searches.