Conduct searches
Overview
This standard is about searching individuals in a custodial environment including rub-down searches and using electronic equipment to search. Those with whom searches are being conducted may have additional needs, be uncooperative and present varying levels of security risk. Also, they may have language or other communication difficulties.
This standard is also about searching areas which include premises, accommodation and surrounding areas using organisational procedures.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1 check conditions for searches are in accordance with legal requirements and your organisation’s procedures
P2 check equipment being used is operational and in line with manufacturer’s guidelines
P3 report communication difficulties with individuals in accordance with your organisation’s procedures
P4 take action to resolve communication difficulties in accordance with your organisation’s procedures
P5 deal with individuals in accordance with their rights and your organisation's procedures, including:
P5.1 uncooperative individuals
P6 inform individuals about search procedures, and:
P6.1 check their understanding of these searches
P7 ask individuals to declare any unauthorised items that they may have in accordance with your organisation’s procedures
P8 search individuals applying relevant search techniques in accordance with your organisation’s procedures
P9 deal with unauthorised items in accordance with legal requirements and your organisation’s procedures
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1 legal requirements and organisational procedures for searching individuals and areas
K2 types of unauthorised finds that may be found during searches
K3 procedures for dealing with unauthorised finds
K4 records concerning searches and how to complete them
K5 conditions for searching individuals, including:
K5.1 same sex searches
K5.2 authorisation that may be required
K5.3 having other personnel present
K5.4 distance from other individuals
K6 why you should inform individuals about search procedures and how to do this
K7 range of search techniques used by your organisation
K8 when it is necessary to search people or areas
K9 how to carry out a rub-down search and what its limitations are
K10 how to use electronic search equipment in line with manufacturer’s guidelines and what its limitations are
K11 how to carry out a full body search with due regard to individuals’ dignity
K12 different types of accommodation that may be searched
K13 how to deal with unauthorised individuals
K14 how to deal with materials found during searches which are claimed to be confidential
K15 the reasons to ask individuals to declare any unauthorised items
K16 how searching is applied to religious items and legal correspondence
K17 methods used to hide items about the body, clothing and footwear
K18 how to carry out a rub-down search with due respect for individuals
K19 how to apply the most appropriate method of searching to all individuals
K20 your organisation's health and safety procedures for searching individuals and areas
K21 the importance of defining search areas and how to do so
K22 the importance of moving individuals to secure areas during searches
and how to
do so
K23 types of search equipment and how to obtain these
K24 the types of areas used to conceal people, items and substances, and how to search these
K25 the types of expert assistance you may require for access and how to obtain this
K26 how to identify problems individuals have with language and communication
K27 how to deal with uncooperative individuals
K28 how to assess risk in searches
K29 how to deal with individuals’ additional needs
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
Relevant people can refer to individuals, others relevant or significant to individuals, staff in your own agency including investigating teams or staff from other agencies.
Searching individuals refers to carrying out rub-down searches and full-body searches as well as conducting searches with electronic equipment.
Searching areas refers to searching all areas within an establishment including the premises, accommodation areas and surrounding areas.
Organisational procedures can include prison service instructions, prison policies, legislative policies and any other policies and procedures used across custodial care in the UK.