The purpose of searching in every prison is to
detect and deter the entry and hiding of illicit persons or objects
within the prison.
It is essential that prisoners and visitors to prisons are made aware
of, and understand, the searching policies that will be applied to
them in different circumstances. Staff also need to be aware of the
arrangements for searching them on entering or leaving the establishment,
and what items they are permitted to bring into the prison when reporting
for duty.
Staff and visitors must be aware that consent to being searched is
a precondition of entry into the prison. Individuals subject to searching
must also understand the reasons for the search and the legal authority
that permits staff to carry out the search.
