Jail Security Procedure: Conducting a Strip Search

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Questions and Answers

What is the first step in conducting a thorough strip search of a prisoner?

Require the prisoner to turn around, bend over, and spread his/her buttocks

Examine the prisoner's head (correct)

Request the prisoner to raise his/her arms

Examine the prisoner's groin area

What tool may be used to examine the prisoner's head during a strip search?

A large, wide-toothed comb (correct)

A flashlight

Fingers

A magnifying glass

What should you do if you find tape or bandages on the prisoner during a strip search?

Request the prisoner to remove it

Document it in the prisoner's file

Remove it and inspect the area and the tape or bandage (correct)

Leave it as it is and continue the search

What is the next step after examining the prisoner's head during a strip search?

Examine the prisoner's ears and nose Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to use a flashlight during a strip search?

To examine hard-to-reach areas Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances may a body cavity search be necessary?

When the facility's policy and state law permit it Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in conducting a cell search?

Remove all blankets, covers, and sheets from the bed(s) and examine them closely Signup and view all the answers

Why is it beneficial to have the prisoner(s) just outside the cell during a cell search?

So they observe your systematic search and any contraband you might find Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step in conducting a cell search?

Leave the cell as neat as it was when you started Signup and view all the answers

Why are frequent and thorough inspections necessary in a facility?

To keep the facility secure and escape-proof Signup and view all the answers

How often should inmate counts be made?

A minimum of every two hours Signup and view all the answers

Who should not perform inmate counts?

Trustees or any prisoner(s) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of controlling weapons in a jail or detention facility?

To provide security for officers and prisoners Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of contraband in a facility?

Hazardous and nuisance Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of identifying the answers to basic questions in emergency situations?

To respond appropriately to emergency situations Signup and view all the answers

What are examples of emergency situations in a facility?

Riots, hostage taking, fires, escapes, and natural disasters Signup and view all the answers

When should a prisoner be searched by an officer of the same sex?

When the prisoner is being processed for admission Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a strip search?

To locate contraband Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a frisk search and a strip search?

The state of dress of the prisoner Signup and view all the answers

When can a frisk search be conducted?

At any time the prisoner is in the facility Signup and view all the answers

What should be done before conducting a frisk search?

Ask the prisoner to remove all items from their person Signup and view all the answers

How should the prisoner stand during a frisk search?

With their feet apart and arms extended outward Signup and view all the answers

Why should a frisk search be conducted in a systematic and orderly manner?

To ensure the search is effective and contributes to a positive jail climate Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for conducting cell searches?

To control contraband in the facility Signup and view all the answers

How should a female prisoner be searched during a frisk search?

With more attention given to the breasts Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the prisoner's personal items before returning them?

They should be inspected carefully Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of supervision in a jail or detention facility?

To develop an orderly, controlled environment Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to avoid familiarity with prisoners?

To maintain professional boundaries Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of supervising a 'sick call' in the facility?

To administer proper medical attention Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of prisoners prone to committing suicide?

Signs of deep depression Signup and view all the answers

What is a consideration when evaluating a person for trustee status?

Is the person a security risk? Signup and view all the answers

What is a supervisory requirement for conducting 'professional' visits?

Making sure the visit is completely confidential Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of poor supervision in a jail or detention facility?

Disciplinary problems Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to maintain good supervision in a jail or detention facility?

To accomplish two primary things: getting people to do what is required of them and developing an orderly, controlled environment Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a jail officer who is displaying a professional and consistent approach in dealing with prisoners?

Avoiding familiarity with prisoners Signup and view all the answers

What is a factor that may contribute to a prisoner's risk of suicide?

Receiving bad news Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Strip Searches

To ensure the secure and safe operation of a facility, frequent and thorough searches are necessary.
A strip search involves an examination of the person, including:
- Head: using fingers or a large, wide-toothed comb
- Ears: look into and behind both ears
- Mouth: look into the mouth and under the tongue
- Nose: look up the nose
- Armpits: request the prisoner to raise their arms and examine the area
- Hands: request the prisoner to open both hands and examine the backs, palms, and between the fingers
- Groin area: using a flashlight, carefully examine the prisoner's groin area
- Feet: have the prisoner lift their feet to examine the soles and between the toes
A strip search should be conducted by an officer of the same sex as the prisoner

Frisk Searches

A frisk search is done while the prisoner remains clothed
Its purpose is to locate contraband, not to detect body lice, injuries, or tattoos
It can be done at any time the prisoner is in the facility
To make a frisk search effective, make it systematic and orderly, use great care and attention, and conduct it away from the sight of other prisoners

Conducting a Frisk Search

Ask the prisoner to remove all items and place them in an area away from the search
Have the prisoner stand still with feet apart and arms extended outward, thumbs down and fingers spread
Conduct the physical search, starting from the shirt collar, then moving down the body, checking pockets, and finally, the prisoner's socks and shoes

Cell Searches

The major reason for cell searches is to control contraband in the facility
Prepare for the search by moving the prisoner(s) out of the cell or searching the prisoner(s) in the cell and then moving them out
Remove and examine blankets, covers, and sheets from the bed(s)
Closely examine the mattress, furniture, washbasin, and toilet
Probe inside faucets, drains, and any openings in cell door tracts
Finally, examine all items within the cell that are the prisoner's property

Security Inspections

The purpose of security inspections is to examine all security devices and equipment to determine if they are in working order
Frequent and thorough inspections are necessary to keep the facility secure

Inmate Counts

Inmate counts should be made at least every two hours and during mass movements within the facility
Counts must be made by seeing "living breathing flesh," and never based on verbal roll call

Weapon Control

The facility should provide storage space for securing all weapons and have specific procedures in place
Officers delivering prisoners should surrender their weapons before entering the facility
The jail or detention officer on duty is responsible for ensuring all weapons are removed and safely stored

Contraband

There are two types of contraband: dangerous/hazardous and nuisance
Contraband can cause security concerns within the facility if not controlled

Emergency Situations

Emergency situations include riots and hostage taking, fires and explosives, escapes, and natural disasters
Every jail officer should know how to respond appropriately to emergency situations

Supervision

Maintaining good supervision depends on the ability of the jail staff to plan, initiate, and evaluate all jail/facility activities
Supervision is aimed at getting people to do what is required of them and developing an orderly, controlled environment

Professionalism

Any officer who supervises prisoners should keep in mind the general rules when in contact with prisoners
Avoid familiarity with prisoners, gossiping, giving advice, and making promises that can't be kept

Sick Call

The main objectives of supervising sick call are to administer proper attention to prisoners with medical complaints, control the administration and taking of medicine, and control prisoner behavior during the actual sick call procedure

Professional Visits

Supervisory requirements for conducting professional visits differ from those for regular family visits
Ensure confidentiality, no electronic devices are used to listen to conversations, and prisoners are made available for professional visits whenever reasonable

Trustee Status

When evaluating a person for trustee status, consider if they are a security risk, have good work habits, and have consistent and untroublesome behavior in confinement

Suicide Prevention

Characteristics of prisoners prone to committing suicide in a custodial setting include signs of deep depression, behavior changes, and external factors such as bad news, court dates, or abuse within the institution

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Description

Learn the correct process of conducting a strip search as part of the admissions process in a correctional facility. Ensure the safe and secure operation of your facility through thorough searches.