Because reasons of safety dictate immediate action, a cursory (pat-down) search of a subject may be conducted by a Deputy of the opposite sex. If a Deputy of the same sex as the subject is present, reasons of propriety dictate that this Deputy should conduct the pat-down search.
A pat-down search of a line of male prisoners in a Station, jail or courthouse may be conducted by female and male Deputies working simultaneously.
These situations shall be readily explainable if a question of improper conduct should arise. The Deputy initiating the pat down search may be required to recall to mind and testify in court the specific reasons which gave rise to his decision that the pat-down search was necessary for his safety and/or a necessary part of employment.
The above procedure does not change Department policy on strip, visual and physical body cavity searches (see Prisoners Chapter).