All personal property bags/containers brought into the secured area of a custody facility, whether by Department employees or anyone conducting business behind security, shall be constructed of a clear material. With regard to this policy, a backpack, briefcase, tote, or lunch box are considered bags. Exceptions to this policy include smaller, opaque containers for personal medications and hygiene products.
To ensure the ease of content inspection, identifying markings, stickers, patches, unit logos, graphics, etc. shall not obstruct the transparent view of the contents in the bag. With respect to Department employees, identifying markings, stickers, patches, graphics, etc. shall not be offensive in nature, and all unit logos shall be pre-approved by the unit commander.
The facility's watch commander may make an exception to this policy on a case by case basis for professional visitors. The professional visitor's briefcase, backpack, bag, lunch box, etc. shall be searched prior to any entry being given.
A maximum of one clear backpack and one clear bag or lunch box will be allowed per staff member. Clear backpacks shall measure no larger than 21 x 12 x 10. Clear bags and clear lunch boxes shall measure no larger than 13 x 13 x 9. This policy does not affect Department-issued mandated equipment and issued storage/carrying bags (e.g., ballistic helmets, gas masks, etc.).