NCJ Number
59074
Date Published
1978
Length
0 pages
Annotation
TO ASSIST CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS IN PERFORMING CELL SEARCHES, THIS FILM PROVIDES GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES AND DEPICTS SCENES FROM ACTUAL CELL SEARCHES.
Abstract
THE PURPOSE OF CELL SEARCHES IS TO FIND WEAPONS, TOOLS FOR ESCAPE ATTEMPTS, NARCOTICS AND ALCOHOL OR OTHER FORMS OF CONTRABAND, AND TO MAINTAIN SANITARY CONDITIONS. TO DEPICT PROCEDURES TO BE PERFORMED DURING A CELL SEARCH, A CORRECTIONAL OFFICER IS SHOWN EXAMINING THE CONTENTS OF A CELL IN MINUTE DETAIL, RANGING FROM THE EXAMINATION OF THE CONTENTS OF AN INMATE'S TUBE OF TOOTHPASTE TO FEELING THE ENTIRE SURFACE OF THE CELL'S WALLS FOR IRREGULARITIES OR SIGNS OF FRESH PAINT. IT IS STRESSED THAT THE CONDUCT OF A CELL SEARCH SHOULD BE SYSTEMATIC TO ENSURE THOROUGHNESS. TWO OFFICERS SHOULD CONDUCT THE SEARCHES, PEERING INTO SINKS TO LOOK FOR CONTRABAND, CHECKING VENTILATORS FOR TAMPERING, EXAMINING ROLLS OF TOILET PAPER FOR WEAPONS, AND CHECKING THE BACKS OF PICTURES FOR CONTRABAND AND MONEY. QUESTIONS ARISE CONCERNING HOW THOROUGH A CORRECTIONAL OFFICER SHOULD BE WHEN CONDUCTING A CELL SEARCH. IN ADDITION, OFFICERS SHOULD LOOK CAREFULLY BEFORE TOUCHING CLOTHING, BOOKS, OR INMATE FURNISHINGS TO AVOID HARM FROM HIDDEN RAZOR BLADES OF OTHER WEAPONS. CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS SHOULD ALSO PLACE INMATES' BELONGINGS IN THE SAME PLACE THEY FOUND THEM. RESPECT FOR INMATE PROPERTY IS AS CRUCIAL TO PRISON SECURITY AS IS THE CELL SEARCH.