B.15.01.R7 Cell Search (National Requirement)

Cell searches

1. A cell search is where a prisoner’s cell is searched to ascertain whether or not they have an unauthorised item, or for the purposes of security of the prison.
2. During a cell search, any item in the cell may also be searched and such reasonable force as is necessary may be used to open any such item.
3. A cell search may be undertaken at any time. A cell search must be undertaken:
   1. After it has been vacated by a prisoner;
   2. Before being occupied by another prisoner;
   3. To meet the security standards agreed in the unit's unit standards;
   4. When an officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a cell may contain an unauthorised item.
4. When searching a cell the following actions are carried out:
   1. The authority for undertaking a cell search is given by the Unit Manager, usually as part of the unit's routines.
   2. The cells are identified and:
      1. The cell number, the names of any prisoners accommodated in that cell, the names of any officers carrying out the search and the date and time of the search are recorded in the search book and IOMS.
      2. If prisoners are in their cell, they are asked to leave it, searched to ensure that any unauthorised item is not being carried out, and a decision made on how they are to be managed while the search is being undertaken and when it is completed.
      3. The cell is searched ensuring that all possible hiding places and escape options are checked.
      4. Electrical fixtures are checked to ensure they appear unbroken and have not been tampered with.
      5. The door is locked on completion.
      6. The findings of unauthorised items, damage done to prison property and the state of hygiene of the cell is recorded for any possible further action.
5. The prisoner's right to privacy and dignity is maintained by:
   1. Not undertaking repetitive searches of the same cell without real justification.
   2. Ensuring the search is undertaken with a minimum of interruption.
   3. Respecting personal property authorised to be in the prisoner’s possession.
   4. Leaving the cell in, as near as possible, the condition in which it was found.
   5. Where the necessity of a cell search requires urgency, the cell contents are left in as reasonable a condition as possible considering the circumstances and the need to ensure that damage to the prisoner’s property, and disruption to the prisoner is minimised.

Occupied cell security check

1. Each prisoner's occupied cell is security checked each day. This security check should include a check of the window, door, locks etc to ensure that they have not been tampered with, and to identify if any maintenance is required.

Reporting and recording

• The result of a cell search is recorded in the Search Book and in IOMS.