Jail Pat-Down Searches

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Jail Pat-Down Searches

 

Gordon Graham
Category: Corrections

Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. And Today’s Tip deals with conducting a pat-down search of a jail inmate. 

Inmates are notorious for possessing and transporting contraband, including weapons, on their person within the confines of the jail. 

We’ve talked before about conducting pat-down searches in the field.  Well, today we’re going to talk about pat-down searches in the jail. Inmates are notorious for possessing and transporting contraband, including weapons, on their person within the confines of the jail. 

By using the following pat-down search techniques, we can search a jail inmate while simultaneously maximizing the safety of the officer and the effectiveness of the search: 

– We should be constantly on the alert for inmates possessing and transporting contraband. Look for suspicious bulges in clothing, inmates holding their clothing or an unusual or awkward walk. 

– We should always maintain a position of control and advantage over the inmate when conducting a pat-down search.  

– We must be thorough in our search and search systematically using a spider-crawl hand technique over the inmate’s person.

– Always conduct the pat-down search from the rear, searching with one hand and controlling the inmate with the other hand. 

– It is not necessary to look where we are searching. It is more important to keep your eyes on the inmate and the surroundings. 

– If a weapon is found, continue to maintain control of the inmate and the weapon. Then, handcuff the inmate when appropriate and safe to do so. 

Remember, predictable is preventable. 

And that is Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Gordon Graham signing off. 

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