How often do Prison Guards Search Inmates’ Cells?

How often do Prison Guards Search Inmates’ Cells?

When inmates begin serving their sentences in correctional facilities, it’s the responsibility of prison guards to maintain order and ensure their security.  One way of maintaining security is through regular cell searches.

Inmate cell searches help ensure the safety of both inmates and staff. Through the searches, they are able to confiscate contraband such as weapons and tools that inmates can use to make escape attempts, alcohol, narcotics, etc.

Performing an inmate cell search needs attention to detail and is labor-intensive. But in the end, everyone at the correctional facility will be safe.

We will tell you how often cell searches are conducted and explore the various types of cell searches in correctional facilities in this handy guide. Besides, we’ll tell you what tools prison guards need to perform a cell search.

After What Duration Do Prison Guards Conduct a Cell Search?

Inmate cell searches have no set time frame. Usually, policies can vary by correctional facility and situation. Cell searches are conducted randomly in some correctional facilities. On the other hand, other prisons can conduct cell searches often. It could be weekly or monthly.

These searches are performed depending on specific intelligence or if the prison administration suspects illegal activity in the facility. The frequency also depends on the prison’s security level.

Maximum security facilities may perform cell searches more often compared to minimum or medium security correctional facilities. It’s due to the higher risk of violence and contraband.

The decision to perform a cell search rests with the prison administration. They must balance the need for security with the rights and privacy of the inmates.

What Do Prison Guards Do Before Conducting a Cell Search?

To begin with, inmates shouldn’t be in the cells when the prison guards are performing a cell search. Having them in the way can make them learn the prison guards’ search tactics and areas they have missed. This way, the inmates will get ideas on where to hide contraband in future.

The inmates may also attack a prison guard if they find contraband an inmate doesn’t want to lose.

The cell search takes place without warning. That way, the inmates won’t have the time to destroy or throw away contraband.

If you’re a prison guard ready to perform a cell search, be wary of any inmate acting abnormally. Besides, all inmates in a cell should be stationed in a common area out of sight. Wear gloves as you begin the cell search.

As mentioned, prison guards conduct a cell search to find contraband. So, what is considered contraband?

Types of Contrabands in Prison

Any item not allowed in a correctional facility is considered contraband. That includes drugs, tattoo equipment, weapons, communication devices, and alcohol, among others. Contraband may also include items that may not be illegal, but inmates can misuse them.

Usually, there are two categories of contraband in prison. They include:

  • Hard Contraband – It refers to items that pose a direct threat to the correctional facility’s safety and security. It comprises alcohol, weapons, and drugs. If an inmate possesses hard contraband, they face severe disciplinary action.
  • Soft Contraband – It refers to items not necessarily dangerous but still not allowed within a correctional facility. They include cigarettes, razor blades, and certain food items. Soft contraband doesn’t pose an immediate threat, but its possession can still result in disciplinary action.

So, how does contraband get into the facility?

In most cases, staff members and visitors smuggle contraband into the prison. Contraband can also get to the facility through packages mailed to inmates.

When an inmate is caught with contraband after a cell search, several things will happen to them. They include:

Prison staff members, including guards, work diligently to prevent contraband from entering their correctional facilities. They do this by conducting cell searches and implementing strict screening procedures for visitors and incoming mail.

Tools Prison Guards Need to Conduct a Cell search

Every correctional facility should have a cell search kit stored in a secure area where prison guards can access when conducting a cell search.

Some tools in a cell search kit are:

  • Flashlights – Flashlights help prison guards see poorly lit corners of the cell.
  • Mirrors – The cell search kit has different mirrors. One of them is a round mirror with a long handle. It’s called an inspection mirror. The handle has clips to grasp a large flashlight.

Other mirrors come with wheels. This way, you can roll them under objects in a cell. If you want to access tight areas in the cell, you should also have small mirrors.

  • Different Magnets – You can fasten these magnets to an extending arm. Then, use them to get to hard-to-reach areas. This way, they can attract hidden metallic objects in the cell.
  • A Metal Detector – A metal detector works better than a magnet. That’s because magnets only attract ferrous metals, while metal detectors detect any metal (ferrous and non-ferrous metals).
  • Disposable Items – They include differently-sized nitrile or latex gloves that prison guards wear to protect their hands as they search. Also, there are small, sealable plastic bags for putting contraband.
  • Pens and Notepads – Prison guards use these to document where the contraband was found.
  • A Set of Keys – Prison guards use them to unlock all types of locks within the cell. That includes padlocks, combination, and electronic locks.

Types of Prison Cell Searches

§  Routine Cell Search

It’s the usual search of an inmate’s cell and personal possessions to confiscate contraband. A routine search is conducted after a certain period. The inmate doesn’t have to be there during the cell search.

§  Routine-Plus Cell Search

A Routine-Plus search is a more comprehensive search of an inmate’s cell and personal belongings. It is more thorough and extensive, usually conducted if an inmate or inmates are suspected of having prohibited items or are involved in illegal activities.

The search may utilize specialized equipment to detect hidden items. The inmate isn’t present during the cell search. A routine-plus cell search is conducted more often compared to a routine search.

What Places Do Prison Guards Search in Inmate Cells?

§  Cell Doors and Windows

The door, hinges, and frame are examined for any signs of tampering or damage, such as scratches or chips. The locking mechanism of the door and windows is inspected first because they are the entry points for contraband.

It’s a critical step also because many inmates conceal illicit items near the door.

§  Tables

Inmates may also use tables to hide contraband. The table and any drawers or shelves that may be part of the table including the reading material on the table is checked.

Tables may also be used as a workspace for various projects. So, any tools or materials on it are checked to ensure they are not used to facilitate illegal activities in the cell.

§  The TV

A search around the TV area includes any cables or cords leading to other electronic devices.. Inmates can stash contraband at the back of the TV or behind the mounting bracket.

Various tools including metal detectors, mirrors, or X-ray machines are used to ensure no illegal items are hidden behind or inside. Even the remote control’s battery compartment is checked.

§  Cell Walls

Usually, inmates try to hide contraband or escape tools in the cell walls. They create secret compartments. Any pictures or drawings the inmates have mounted on the walls are removed. Then, metal detectors or other specialized tools are used to search for hidden items in the cell walls.

Inmates may also try to damage the walls to create a hole or tunnel for escape. So, the walls are inspected for any signs of damage or tampering.

§  Personal Items

Personal stuff includes anything from clothing and shoes to books and personal papers. Contraband can be stashed inside them. Inmates should understand that their items are not off-limits during a cell search.

So, prison guards can inspect every item in the prison cell. Prison cells should also not have extra inmate uniforms. Inmates should also be aware that possessing contraband can lead to additional charges. So, they should follow all prison rules and regulations.

§  Hygiene Items

These include toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, and other personal care products. Inmates can hide contraband items in the packaging or within them.

Hygiene items are a crucial part of an inmate’s daily routine, but they can also use them as hiding places. So, they’re a common target during cell searches.

§  Mattresses

Inmates are creative when hiding contraband. They can hide contraband items inside mattresses. Prison guards should search the mattresses, including the seams and stuffing, to uncover hidden contraband.

If the mattresses have holes, the prison guard should replace them with new ones instantly. They may also use metal detectors to scan the mattresses for any metal objects.

These are just a few items prison guards search through to find contraband. Once the cell search is complete, prison guards collect all the contraband together. The contraband should be well-documented according to the time, date, cell number, and type of contraband found.

Body Searches

Besides searching through the prison cells, prison guards may also search the inmate’s body. There are two types of searches on inmates. They are:

Rub Down Searches

One prison guard can conduct a rub-down search on an inmate. The inmate must open their hands and spread out the fingers. In this search, a prison guard asks the inmate to:

If it’s a male inmate, then a male prison guard will conduct the search and vice versa.

Full Searches

A full search is more comprehensive compared to a rub-down search. It is done by two prison guards of the same sex as the inmate. It should also not take place when other inmates and staff are watching.

In a full search, an inmate should not be completely naked. That would be a violation of their rights. The prison guards use a metal detector.

Conclusion

One way to maintain order and safety is through conducting routine cell searches in the facility. The frequency of these searches varies depending on the correctional facility’s policies and security level.

Usually, the prison guards inform inmates of the search protocols. They should adhere to the cell searches. If inmates don’t comply with these searches, they may face disciplinary action.

These cell searches prevent the smuggling of contraband into the prison. Contraband items are a threat to the safety of inmates and staff in a correctional facility.