Strip and Body cavity searches

Question 1

Why are strip searches of arrestees entering police lockups not routinely justified?

Answer 1

Strip searches are not routinely justified to rely on custody searches for officer safety and to prevent introducing contraband.

Question 2

What is the importance of custody searches (searches incident to arrest) in the field and at booking?

Answer 2

They are essential for officer safety, preventing contraband in detention facilities, and establishing reasonable suspicion.

Question 3

How can the legality of a strip search be determined according to the Fourth Amendment?

Answer 3

The courts balance the necessity of the search against the extent of invasion of the arrestee’s personal rights.

Question 4

What must be considered to ensure a strip search of an arrestee is justified and reasonable?

Answer 4

The search must be both justified by necessity and conducted in a manner that respects human dignity.

Question 5

Under what circumstances can field strip searches of prisoners be conducted?

Answer 5

Field strip searches can be conducted under exigent circumstances with the approval of a supervisory officer.

Question 6

What procedures should be adhered to for strip searches conducted in the field?

Answer 6

Strip searches in the field must be conducted systematically, in privacy, and with legal restrictions followed.

Question 7

Why is officer training essential for conducting strip searches in the field?

Answer 7

Officer training ensures searches are conducted professionally and in compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Question 8

What is the purpose of the strip and body cavity searches policy?

Answer 8

To provide guidelines for determining the legality of such searches.

Question 9

When should a strip search be conducted according to the Lexington Police Department policy?

Answer 9

Only when exigent circumstances require such action.

Question 10

Who has the final say in determining the need for a strip search?

Answer 10

A supervisor should make the final determination.

Question 11

Under what conditions can a body cavity search be performed?

Answer 11

With explicit supervisory approval and a search warrant.

Question 12

Who is authorized to perform a body cavity search?

Answer 12

An authorized physician or medically trained personnel.

Question 13

What is the department’s stance on the use of strip and body cavity searches?

Answer 13

Recognizes the necessity under certain conditions while respecting individual privacy.

Question 14

How is gender identity defined in the department’s policy?

Answer 14

As a person’s sense of being a man or a woman.

Question 15

Define body cavity search according to the Lexington Police Department.

Answer 15

A search involving internal physical examination of body cavities.

Question 16

What constitutes exigent circumstances for conducting a search without a warrant?

Answer 16

Emergency situations requiring immediate action to prevent harm or escape.

Question 17

What defines gender expression in the context of the department’s policy?

Answer 17

External manifestation of one’s gender identity.

Question 18

Who should perform a body cavity search based on a search warrant?

Answer 18

An authorized agency physician or other medically trained personnel at the physician’s direction.

Question 19

Where should a body cavity search be conducted for safety reasons?

Answer 19

At a licensed medical facility, department’s detention facilities, or another authorized facility.

Question 20

What should the authorized individual conducting a body cavity search do after the search?

Answer 20

File a report with the police department and ensure it is forwarded to the approving supervisor.

Question 21

Under what circumstances is the use of physical force to search a suspect’s mouth allowed?

Answer 21

Only when a lawful arrest has been made, probable cause exists for hidden contraband, and either a search warrant is issued or exigent circumstances exist.

Question 22

What action should be taken if an officer believes a suspect has swallowed contraband?

Answer 22

The officer should seek medical attention for the suspect as soon as reasonably possible.

Question 23

What records should the Public Integrity Unit maintain?

Answer 23

A database record of all searches governed by the policy and prepare administrative reports based on the data.

Question 24

What should officers do prior to conducting strip searches?

Answer 24

Video and audio record a 360-degree view of the location.

Question 25

What items should be fully documented and secured as evidence?

Answer 25

Contraband.

Question 26

What should officers submit following a strip search?

Answer 26

A written report to the supervisor detailing various information.

Question 27

When can the arresting officer witness a strip search at a detention facility?

Answer 27

If the prisoner is of the same gender or gender expression.

Question 28

What are officers prohibited from doing in relation to strip searches?

Answer 28

Providing false or misleading information to trigger a strip search.

Question 29

Where should body cavity searches not be conducted?

Answer 29

In the field.

Question 30

What should officers do if they suspect a suspect is concealing something in a body cavity?

Answer 30

Keep the suspect under constant visual surveillance.