What is a scanner search?
- A scanner search means a search of a person while he/she is fully clothed using an electronic device designed to identify the presence of unauthorised items.
An example is where a device such as a hand-held or walk-through metal detector is used to identify whether or not the person being searched is carrying an unauthorised item.
- A scanner search includes the authority to search any item carried by, or in the possession of, any person. It does not include the right to require removal or search of outer clothing or footwear.
- An x-ray search means any search of an article only by the use of a machine that produces an image of the contents of the article without touching that article.
Scanning procedure
- All persons seeking entry to the prison shall be requested to identify all metallic items on their person. These items shall be presented for inspection and placed in the tray provided. The officer(s) shall satisfy themselves that the items do not pose any threat to the safety and security of the prison. Where this action is not practical the officer(s) shall satisfy themselves that any metallic item carried on the individual is not “masking” the identification of any unauthorised item.
- If any person refuses to declare any metallic object, or refuses to pass through the walk-through scanner they will be refused entry in to the prison.
- After declaring all metallic items the person shall be asked to walk through the scanner. If the scanner does not activate the person may be permitted entry to the prison. (First Scan)
- Any person causing the walk-through scanner to activate shall be asked to repeat the procedure by passing through the walk-through scanner a second time. The person shall be instructed to gather up their items from the tray and place them in their vehicle or locked cabinet (if available). They shall then move to the back of the queue and repeat the scanning procedure as before. They shall be asked a second time to identify any metallic items still on their person and if practicable place them in the tray for inspection. (Second Scan)
- If the walk-through scanner activates, the person shall be invited a third time to declare any metallic items and shall then be scanned using the hand held-scanner. (Third Scan)
- If, after walking through the walk-through scanner twice and after scanning by a hand-held scanner the officer is still not satisfied that the person or conveyance is “clear”, the person shall not be permitted to pass the screening point and the officer in charge informed. The officer in charge will direct what further action will be taken.
- Only when satisfied that a person is not carrying any unauthorised articles, shall an officer allow any person to proceed past the screening point.
- Any person who is unable for any reason to walk through a walk-through scanner may be scanned by hand held scanner.
- Any sealed or otherwise unidentifiable packages or objects found on any person or conveyance being screened shall be passed to the officer in charge for inspection.
- The x-ray machine installed are for searching articles only, and MUST NOT be used to search people.
- The officer operating the x-ray machine must determine if an article is contraband or detrimental to the safety and security of staff and prisoners.
Persons with wheelchairs
- When a person arrives at a screening point, in some type of conveyance (e.g. wheelchair), where practicable the person in the conveyance is to be requested to leave the conveyance outside and if possible proceed through the walk-through scanner unaided.
- If the person cannot proceed through the walk-through scanner unaided, the conveyance and the person shall be pushed through the walk-through scanner. The person will then be asked if they can stand and will be screened by use of a hand-held scanner. If they are unable to stand, they and the conveyance must be inspected by the most effective means.
Persons with conveyances for infants
In the case of an infant who arrives at a screening point in some type of conveyance (e.g. pram, pushchair), a request should be made that the infant is carried through the scanner by the caregiver. The conveyance can then be physically searched and if satisfactory can pass into the prison.
Staff Training
All staff involved in Scanner Search/X-Ray machine have been trained in the following:
- Law and procedures for searching and
- Proper use of the scanning devices and X-ray machines
- Report writing and incident recording
