Search Procedures Flashcards
What rule gives prison officers the authority to search prisoners?
Prison Rule 41/ YOI 46
What are the 2 levels of a rub-down search?
A) More in-depth search including head, hair and shoes
B) Omits those parts
What are the 2 types of searches of a person?
Rub-down
- Requires 1 member of staff
- Occurs before visits, coming to and from workshops and education, and before escorts and adjudications
Full Search
- Requires 2 members of staff
- Includes the removal of clothing
- Requires dignity:
- Conducted out of sight
- Undressing half the body at a time - Men always remove underwear
- Transgender as non-binary persons can have a voluntary agreement describing searching standards
What is meant by an intimate search?
Involves placing fingers or an item into an orifice.
No officer has the authority to conduct one
What is the purpose of an accommodation fabric check?
To ensure a cell or living area has not been damaged or interfered with, and to check the environment meets standards to prevent escape.
How frequently must an accommodation fabric check be conducted?
In a high security estate: Daily
Generally the LSS describes the frequency: Ranging from multiple times a week to intelligence-only
What areas are checked in an AFC?
- Doors and locks
- Walls, floors and ceiling
- Windows and bars
- Cell bells
What is the purpose of a cell search?
To check for contraband in a prisoner’s living accommodation
What are the 3 levels of cell search?
Routine:
- Search of cell
- Level A rub down with metal detector
- Property record check not required
Routine Plus:
- Search of cell
- For men, a full body search and for women a level A rub down
- Completion of a property record check
Intelligence-Led:
- Level of search of the person varies
- Completion of property record check
How many members of staff are required to perform a cell search?
2
What needs to be done before a cell search?
Collect searching equipment
Check prisoners file on NOMIS- there may be a security alert, especially for specific areas to thoroughly search
Collect prisoner, confirm identity, and take to cell
Check cell card to ensure searching correct cell
Ask the prisoner if they have any unauthorised items
Carry out body search subject to type of check
Ask prisoner to identify legal documentation
If two prisoners in a cell, ask them to identify their own belongings
Take prisoner to another secure location
What happens in a cell search?
Search and clear a ‘sterile area’ to place items once examined
Work around the room, starting at the door
Search fixtures, fittings and potential hiding places in furniture
Use searching equipment e.g. torches and mirrors to get to awkward places
Do not place hands into an area you cannot fully see
Search prisoner’s property one it at a time
Take care to handle religious items with respect
What happens after a cell search?
Tidy the room to ensure it’s left how you found it
Collect the prisoner and bring them back to their cell
Show them items suspected of being unauthorised and ask for an explanation
Remove items and place in labelled evidence bag and hand to security
Inform wing staff you’ve completed the search and of anything you’ve found
If you have damaged property, declare this and explain their right to claim compensation
Fill out a searching report form if required
List 3 of the steps you would take if you found suspected contraband in a prisoner’s cell
Show the item to the prisoner, and ask them for an explanation
Remove the item and place into a labelled evidence bag, and pass to security
Inform the wing staff
Fill out a searching form
