Searches in Corrections

1. Searches in Corrections

2. Authority • AR 422 • NRS 209.131 • NRS 209.239 • NRS 209.423

3. Searches • Types • Relationship with contraband • Process of searching • Conditions

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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)

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

17. 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

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

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

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