Authorising and ordering intimate searches

An intimate search is the physical examination of any of the suspect’s body orifices other than the mouth. This is a physical intrusion, not simply a visual examination. Only a suspect who is under arrest and in police detention can be subjected to an intimate search. PACE 1984 Code C applies.

An intimate search can only be authorised by an officer of at least the rank of inspector and they must have reasonable grounds for believing that:

1. •

   a detained individual has concealed upon their person:

   1. ◦

      anything that could cause physical harm to themselves or others, and

   2. ◦

      they may harm themselves or others while in the detention of the police or the custody of the court, or

2. •

   a detained individual:

   1. ◦

      may have Class A drugs concealed on their person, and

   2. ◦

      at the time they were arrested, they were in possession of those drugs with the intention of supplying or exporting them

An officer may not authorise an intimate search of a person for anything unless