COBT 157: Contraband, Searches, and Offender Transportation

Vocabulary flashcards generated from Correctional Officer Basic Training (COBT 157) materials covering contraband, offender body searches, visitor and staff search procedures, cell/locker safety, vehicle security, and facility property procedures.

Zone 1

The immediate area around an offender that a correctional officer must stay out of to maintain situational awareness during complete body searches.

Cast and Dressing Search Procedure

The requirement to search an offender's cast or dressings with a metal detector, or have medical personnel inspect and/or remove and replace dressings.

Offender Foot Search Rule

The strict policy that a certified officer must never search the feet of an offender with their hands, requiring visual inspection only.

Exigent Operations Search Rule

An exception allowing the commanding OIC during exigent operations to order complete body searches to be conducted by criminal justice certified staff members of the opposite sex.

Complete Body Search

An unclothed search conducted on offenders under specific conditions, such as commitment to DAC, transfers, return from escape/court, visitation, or entering/leaving restrictive housing, control status, close, or medium custody units.

Body Cavity Search Authorization

A search of internal body cavities that can only be performed by DOI medical personnel in a medical setting when authorized by the Warden or designee (or by local law enforcement following a judicial warrant for staff).

Pre- and Post-Visitation Offender Search

A routine search conducted on offenders prior to visitation, followed by a complete search after the visit for close and medium custody offenders (or per Warden SOPs in minimum custody).

Visitor Search Protocol (16 Years or Older)

Routine search of person and effects, including processing through a walk-through or handheld metal detector before entering the secure perimeter at close or medium custody facilities.

Visitor Complete Search Authority

The policy establishing that complete (unclothed) searches of visitors, volunteers, vendors, etc., are solely the authority of local law enforcement.

Staff Search Protocol

Routine searches of personal effects conducted by an officer of the same sex for female staff (either sex for male staff), along with metal detector screening at close or medium custody facilities.

Search Authorization for Visitors and Staff

The Warden or designee.

Visitor Search Refusal Procedure

The protocol when a visitor refuses a search: deny entry, notify the OIC, document the refusal, and consider possible exclusion from the offender's approved visitor list.

Staff Search Refusal Procedure

The protocol when a staff member refuses a search: deny entry to the facility, notify the OIC, and initiate disciplinary action.

Cell/Locker Search Objectives

The four main reasons for searching cells and lockers: to prevent the flow of contraband, prevent violence, prevent escape, and maintain sanitary standards.

Pre-Search Cell Actions

Steps taken before searching a single cell or locker: observe the offender's behavior, remove the offender, pause at the door or locker for a visual search, and put yourself in the offender's shoes.

Look Before You Touch

A primary officer safety principle during locker searches warning staff not to put their hands where they cannot see.

Overnight Vehicle Security Rule

The requirement that any vehicle or motorized equipment remaining unoccupied inside the perimeter fence overnight must be made inoperable by removing the battery, keys, or fuel source.

Perimeter Search Purpose

Inspections conducted to help prevent contraband from entering the facility.

Facility Complete Search Frequency

A complete search of the institution required to be conducted not less than once each six (6) months.

Team Concept

The best approach and standard procedure for conducting a comprehensive facility search.

Final Action After Search

The mandatory procedure of reporting all search findings to the OIC and preparing proper documentation.

DC-160

The Personal Property Inventory form used to accurately inventory and describe any item of personal property held for an offender while incarcerated.

Offender Property Dispositions

The five valid disposition classifications for offender property: Stored at facility (S), Contraband (C), Mailed (M), Offender's possession (I), and Donated (D).