Prisoner Searches of the Opposite Sex SOG 407.1 (SGT/2015)

Question 1

Can Officers do opposite sex searches?

Answer 1

Opposite sex searches are expressly forbidden.

Question 2

when safety necessitates an immediate search of the opposite sex, do the following:

Answer 2

• shall be video recorded (if you can’t document why)
• shall be witnessed by another officer
• shall be handcuffed
• shall be conducted in a routine manner (hands into pockets will be palm out)
• no genital or breast searches (exception is to retrieve a weapon)
• shall be documented in a report

Question 3

Frisk

Answer 3

-frisk (same as search except they don’t have to be handcuffed. Genitals and breasts are still off limits unless weapon is found. Everything documented.)

Question 4

Consent

Answer 4

• officer will request a same sex officer respond
• if no same sex is available, officer will tell person that
• officer will give person opportunity to withdraw consent
• search is similar to SIA
• person may or may not be handcuffed
• when opposite search has occurred, they will be searched again by same sex at jail