1. Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission
CELL SEARCH
Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission
JRA Academy
revised ( ) TMB

2. 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 REK

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

4. 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 ( ) TMB

5. 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 ( ) TMB

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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 ( ) TMB

9. 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 ( ) TMB

10. 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 ( ) TMB

11. 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 ( ) TMB

12. 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 ( ) TMB

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

14. 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 ( ) TMB

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

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

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

18. 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 ( ) TMB

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

20. 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 ( ) TMB

21. 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.

22. 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

23. 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 ( ) TMB

24. 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.

25. 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 ( ) TMB

26. (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 ( ) TMB

27. 3 Reasons to Conduct a Cell Search
Locate Contraband
Discover Maintenance Hazards
Discover Safety Hazards
revised ( ) TMB

28. 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 ( ) TMB