BJOC 2.3 - Searches and Security Inspections

Terminal Performance Objective (TPO):

BJOC 2.3 - Searches and Security Inspections

Enabling Objectives (EO’s):

As a result of this instruction, the student will be able to:

2.3.1     Identify the purposes for searches and security inspections.

2.3.2     Identity how contraband endangers the jail environment.

       2.3.3.    Conduct a frisk search of an inmate

       2.3.4     Identify the proper procedure for conducting a strip search of an inmate.

       2.3.5     Conduct a cell search.

       2.3.6     Identify the benefits of ethical, and the consequences of unethical, decision

                    making and behavior as related to searches and security inspections.

 Contraband is any item that is not provided by the jail, not purchased by the inmate in the commissary, or not allowed into the jail through proper authorization.

Disruption,  Empowerment of the inmate, Danger, and Escape tool.

Hoarding of items which are permitted but difficult to obtain, or which are important to an inmate bartering system. Food, for example, is a common item in the inmate bartering system.

What are three ways to control contraband?

(6 listed in the manual)

a)     Controlling what items an arrested subject may bring into the jail is the starting point to contraband control.

b)     Inmate work details are regularly brought into the secure area of the jail from outside its confines.

c)     Visitors will attempt to leave items hidden for later retrieval by a work crew.  Routine searches of all areas of the facility should be regularly conducted, to include: windows, fences, roof tops, and restrooms.

d)     Visitors must be checked and observed for prolonged contact with inmates or transfer of unauthorized goods.

e)     The visiting area must be checked for smuggled items to be picked up by the inmate.

f)      The perimeters of the institution must be watched to make sure things are not being passed over the wall or through the fence.

Frisk or pat-down search, strip or visual search, and body cavity search.

What is the difference in a frisk search and a strip search? 

a)     A frisk search is also known as a pat down, rub, or squeeze search.  Some agencies recommend the squeeze search for it allows the jail officer to feel for contraband without the sliding hand motion that risks being cut.

b)     A strip search is the following:

c)     Instruct the inmate to completely disrobe. The officer then checks all clothing.

d)     Instruct the inmate to run fingers through hair. 

e)     Check behind ears, up nostrils, and inside mouth.

f)      Instruct the inmate to rotate slowly, visually observing the entire upper body.

g)     Instruct the inmate to spread their arms out and spread their legs in a spread eagle fashion.

h)     Visually inspect the legs, top and bottom of feet, and between the toes.

 Strip searches are conducted only under the direction of a supervisor and in accordance to your agency’s policies and procedures for the safety, security and order of the jail.

Before beginning a search, the search teams should be made aware of the primary reason for the search. For example, the team may be told to locate items that are known or thought to be in a jail; to uncover an escape plan; or, to make a routine check. Knowing the purpose of the search enables officers to gear their actions to the task at hand. If there is some reason to believe there is a dangerous weapon in the facility, officers will act with extra caution. If the search is routine, officers will be alert, but more mechanical and extra assistance will not be needed.

The officer systematically searches the cell rather than bouncing from point to point.  Carefully search all items located inside the cell.  A flashlight and a mirror are tools of great help during a search.

Why do jail officers conduct searches?

·         Identify and confiscate contraband

·         Detect escape efforts

·         Discover weapons

·         Check for destruction of jail property

·         Find violations of jail policies

·         Check for health and safety hazards.

 The potential of having a jail officer steal items from the inmate, plant contraband on the inmate or in the cell, or seizing found contraband from a cell and converting it to the jail officer’s personal use, is highly unethical and in some cases a crime.