RANDOLPH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

3.5.1 Purpose
 

To establish clear guidelines for conducting searches within the detention center in a manner that ensures facility safety, prevents the introduction of contraband, and protects the constitutional rights of all detainees in accordance with the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

3.5.2 Policy
 

All searches conducted within the detention center shall be reasonable, justified, and performed in compliance with constitutional standards. Staff shall balance institutional security needs with the privacy rights and dignity of detainees. Searches shall never be conducted for harassment, punishment, or retaliation.

3.5.3 Authority
 

Correctional staff are authorized to conduct searches of detainees, their property, and facility areas under the legal standards established by the Bell v. Wolfish, which permits reasonable searches to maintain security and order.

3.5.4 Types of Searches

3.5.4.1 Pat-Down Search
 

• A frisk or external search of an detainee’s clothing to detect contraband or weapons.

• May be conducted routinely or based on reasonable suspicion.

• Shall be conducted by an officer of the same sex when feasible.

3.5.4.2 Strip Search
 

• A visual inspection of an unclothed detainee.

• Requires reasonable suspicion that the detainee is concealing contraband, unless conducted as part of intake or after contact visits.

• Must be conducted in a private area, out of view of other detainees and staff not involved in the search.

• Shall be conducted by staff of the same sex.

3.5.4.3 Body Cavity Search
 

• Any search involving inspection of body cavities beyond a visual search.

• Shall only be conducted with a valid warrant or exigent circumstances and must be performed by qualified medical personnel.

• Must comply with applicable legal standards, including Florence v. Board of Chosen Freeholders where applicable.

3.5.4.4 Cell and Area Searches
 

• Routine and random searches of cells, common areas, and facility property may be conducted without prior notice.

• Detainees have no expectation of privacy in their assigned cells.

• Searches shall be conducted systematically to prevent unnecessary damage to property.

3.5.4.5 Property Searches
 

• All detainee property is subject to search at any time.

• Incoming property shall be inspected prior to issuance to detainees.

• Contraband shall be confiscated and documented.

3.5.5 Search Procedures

3.5.5.1 Professional Conduct
 

• Staff shall remain professional and respectful during all searches.

• Use of force shall only be applied when necessary and in accordance with use-of-force policy.

• Staff shall explain the search process when practical to reduce tension.

3.5.5.2 Documentation
 

• All strip searches and body cavity searches shall be documented.

• Documentation shall include the reason for the search, staff involved, date, time, and results.

• Any contraband discovered shall be logged into evidence following facility procedures.

3.5.5.3 Witness Requirements
 

• Strip searches shall include at least one additional staff member as a witness when possible.

• Witnesses must be of the same sex as the detainee unless exigent circumstances exist.

3.5.6 Prohibited Practices
 

• Cross-gender strip searches except in exigent circumstances.

• Searches conducted in a degrading, humiliating, or abusive manner.

• Use of searches as punishment or retaliation.

• Unnecessary exposure of detainees to others during searches.

3.5.7 Special Populations

3.5.7.1 Juveniles
 

Searches involving juveniles shall comply with additional legal protections and be conducted with heightened sensitivity.

3.5.7.2 Medical Considerations
 

Detainees with medical conditions or disabilities shall be searched in a manner that accommodates their condition, with medical staff consulted when necessary.

3.5.8 Training Requirements
 

All detention personnel shall receive initial and annual training on:
 

• Constitutional standards for searches;

• Proper search techniques;

• Legal updates and relevant case law;

• Professional conduct and detainee rights;

3.5.9 Supervisory Oversight
 

Supervisors shall ensure compliance with this policy through routine review, observation, and investigation of any complaints or incidents related to searches.

3.5.10 Violations
 

Any violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action and could expose the employee and the agency to civil liability.