Florida BRT Corrections - Officer Safety Practice Exam

Who is authorized to conduct a body cavity search?

1. Any correctional officer

2. Medical staff only

3. A supervisor only

4. Any trained personnel

The correct answer is: Medical staff only

The correct answer is that body cavity searches are authorized to be conducted by medical staff only. This is because body cavity searches involve sensitive and invasive procedures that require medical knowledge to ensure they are performed safely and legally. Medical staff are trained to handle such situations with the appropriate privacy, care, and legal considerations in mind. In correctional settings, while officers may conduct regular searches of inmates to maintain safety and security, the responsibility for conducting body cavity searches is reserved for medical professionals. This separation of duties is crucial for both the dignity of the inmates and the legal protections afforded to them, as body cavity searches can have significant implications for privacy rights.