Chapter 5 – Adult Custody and Security Operations

54020.13.3 Unclothed Searches of Visitors

• Staff may conduct an unclothed visual body search and use a variety of detection devices to conduct a more intensive security search of the visitor’s person when the visitor fails to clear any contraband/metal detection device, or information is obtained that a visitor is in possession of contraband as described in DOMDepartment Operations Manual Chapter 5, Article 20. An unclothed body search is a security procedure that involves visual inspection of a person’s body with all of their clothing removed and a thorough inspection of the person’s clothing for the purpose of detecting contraband. This procedure may be conducted with the visitor’s consent when there is a reasonable suspicion that the visitor is carrying contraband and when no less intrusive means are available to conduct the search.

• Unclothed searches are especially appropriate when clothed searches prove inconclusive and the presence of contraband remains a reasonable suspicion.

• Unclothed body searches shall be accomplished in accordance with the following provisions and recorded on a CDC Form 888, Notice of Request to Search.

• Visiting staff of the same sex as the visitor shall conduct authorized unclothed body searches. The search shall be conducted in a private setting, in a dignified manner, and by at least two staff members. Unclothed body searches may be done on probable cause.

• Consistent with their duties or classification, a licensed physician and/or nurse of the same gender shall be present to observe and assist in searches when an unclothed body search is required of visitors having a medical implant, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or assistive device(s).

• Discretion shall be exercised when issuing instructions to persons being searched.

• If staff identifies what appears to be contraband in a body cavity and the visitor refuses to remove the suspected contraband from the body cavity, the visitor shall be detained and referred to the local law enforcement agency.

• When probable cause exists that a visitor has concealed contraband in a body cavity; local law enforcement shall be summoned. CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation staff shall not perform any body cavity searches of visitors.

• A copy of the CDC Form 888 excluding confidential information shall be given to the visitor.