How to Search a Female Inmate for Contraband

Searching female inmates for contraband upon arrival in prison and throughout their sentence is highly regulated and can be complicated, especially at women's confinement centers staffed by largely male guards. As you learn how to search a female inmate, keep several major points in mind to be sure that you protect yourself and the inmates.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Know and understand the definition of contraband which can include any item or substance that is illegal, such as drugs, or any item or substance not allowed in the prison facility, including any object that can be used as a weapon.

2. Conduct a search of female inmates using female guards only, and out of view of any males. In a case of emergency, a male guard may conduct the search, but only if it is impossible to find a female guard, and if during the search another person is present.

3. Instruct the female inmate to empty to all of her pockets and to remove her shoes, belts and all outer layers of clothing. Inspect the inmate's hair using a comb.

4. Conduct a clothed search by running your hands along all parts of the female inmate's torso and limbs, from neck to hands, armpit to groin and groin to feet. Crush the collar, cuffs, belt loops, seams and other raised areas of clothing.

5. Inspect all outer pieces of clothing, including the lining of the shoes and any other clothing liners and seams. When necessary, a clothed search should be followed up by a strip search by a trained female official.

Tips & Warnings

• Clothed searches with a metal detector can temporarily serve in place of strip search if no female guard is available to search female inmates, but a full search should be conducted as soon as possible.

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