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.
