Lesson 7: Frisks and Searches

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a custodial search?

To locate lost items

To identify personal belongings

To detect potential weapons or contraband (correct)

To assess the subject's physical condition

Which technique should be used to conduct a custodial search?

Circular search pattern

Random search approach

Quadrant search approach (correct)

Vertical search method

What should an officer do first when preparing to search a handcuffed subject?

Search their pockets immediately

Handcuff the subject first (correct)

Conduct a pat down only

Use verbal commands only

What should be done to avoid injury during a custodial search?

Be cautious of sharp objects (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which area is frequently overlooked during a custodial search?

The groin (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one key aspect of conducting a search in terms of communication?

Use loud, clear verbal commands (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting a pat down?

To locate weapons (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of search can female officers perform on male inmates?

Only clothed searches (D) Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition may an officer conduct a pat down?

If they have reasonable suspicion (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason for conducting inmate searches?

To uncover contraband and prevent escapes (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step to take when conducting a pat down?

Conduct the search quickly without assessing danger (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does reasonable suspicion involve?

Facts or circumstances indicating potential law violation (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should an officer do to help search concealed areas during a pat down?

Ask the subject to lift their arms (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a lawful action during a pat down according to the plain touch/feel doctrine?

Identifying contraband by mass or contour (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to be aware of verbal and non-verbal cues during a pat down?

To evaluate potential aggressive behavior (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the first actions an officer should take when preparing to conduct a pat down?

Verbally command the subject to comply (A) Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition can a male officer conduct a clothed search of a female inmate?

Only during an emergency as determined by the shift supervisor (D) Signup and view all the answers

What must be done with the inmate's belongings before conducting a clothed search?

The inmate should remove them and they should be inspected. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of conducting a clothed search?

To prevent physical violence and secure the inmate (B) Signup and view all the answers

Who is authorized to conduct a strip search of an inmate?

Only correctional officers of the same sex as the inmate (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in conducting a strip or unclothed search?

Move the inmate to a secured area. (B) Signup and view all the answers

During a strip search, which area is NOT typically searched?

Ankles (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should officers be cautious of when conducting a clothed search?

Maintaining visual contact with the inmate's hands (A) Signup and view all the answers

What may lead to the need for a strip search beyond typical circumstances?

Agency policies or suspicion of contraband (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lesson 7: Frisks and Searches

Search: Government intrusion into a place where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Inmates and probationers have a reduced expectation of privacy, so searches are less limited.
Pat-Down Technique: A physical frisk of a subject, conducted systematically to locate weapons.
Reasonable Suspicion: Necessary before a pat-down; facts or circumstances that reasonably indicate a violation of the law (committing, committed, or about to commit).
Plain Touch/Feel Doctrine: Allows officers to seize any object whose shape/mass clearly indicates contraband. Search is limited to outside of clothing.
Pat-Down Procedure:
- Use loud, clear verbal commands throughout.
- Be aware of verbal/nonverbal cues.
- Visually scan the subject.
- Have them lift arms to tighten clothing.
- Have the subject move hands from their body.
- Control their hands.
- Keep them off-balance during a pat-down.
- Conduct the pat down in a predetermined pattern.
- Follow up with appropriate action if weapon is found.
Custodial Search: Complete search of a person taken into custody; done in an unsecured environment. Handcuffs first, then search.
- Use loud, clear verbal commands throughout the process.
- Keep the subject off balance.
- Physically control subject's hands.
- Search in a predetermined (quadrant) pattern.
- Follow up with proper action.
Inmate Search: Searches designed to uncover contraband, prevent escapes, maintain sanitary standards, and eliminate safety hazards. Three types: clothed, strip/unclothed, body cavity.
Clothed Search: Conducted randomly or during emergency, visually checking body areas and items like pockets, shoes, and hats. Female officer can search a male inmate; male officer can search a female inmate when indicated.
Strip/Unclothed Search: Conducted by officers of the same sex as inmate, visual search only, no touching. Conducted upon arrival, after escape attempt, or if there is a reasonable belief of contraband.
Body Cavity Search: Typically conducted by appropriate health services staff; must follow agency policies.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of frisks and searches in law enforcement through this quiz. Understand the legal standards of reasonable suspicion, the pat-down technique, and the plain touch doctrine. Test your knowledge on procedures and the nuances of privacy expectations.