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Custody Operations Informational Bulletins / 2026 Informational Bulletins

2026-02 Clear Personal Bags in Custody


2026-01 Transgender Inmate Classification and Identification
2025-01 Court Miss-out and Refusal Procedures

Clear Personal Bags in Custody

INTRODUCTION

Safety and security of the Custody Services Division facilities is the highest priority and responsibility. In an effort to maintain a safe environment for everyone working within the jails, and to facilitate the efficient security protocols needed at access control points, personal property bags brought into custody facilities shall be made of a clear material.

OVERVIEW

Clear personal property bags will facilitate an efficient inspection of personal property entering a custody facility and will reduce the likelihood of prohibited items, weapons, or contraband being brought into the jails. This requirement applies to every person entering the secured area of a custody facility.

Bags/containers brought into the secured area of a custody facility shall be constructed with clear panels. Bags may take the form of a backpack, briefcase, tote, or lunch box. Personal medications and hygiene products may be stored within a smaller opaque container within the main clear bag/case.

The decision to bring personal items into the secured area of a custody facility is an individual decision and should be kept to the minimum items needed during your work day.

Identifying markings, stickers, patches, or graphics shall not obstruct the transparent view of the contents inside the bag. Identifying markings, stickers, patches, or graphics shall not be offensive in nature.

All unit logos shall be pre-approved by the unit commander.

A maximum of one clear bag will be allowed per staff member.   

Clear bags shall measure no larger than 21 x 12 x 10.

This bulletin does not affect Department issued mandated equipment and issued storage/carrying bags (e.g., ballistic helmets, gas masks, etc.).

Department personnel may purchase clear bag/cases from various retail stores (meeting the above requirements), at their own expense. Below are a few examples of

where you can purchase the clear bags, however, they are available at many other online retail sites.

Any disputes or questions regarding the size of the bag or transparency shall be referred to the on-duty watch commander. 

EXAMPLES OF CLEAR BAGS

 

 

REFERENCE

Custody Division Manual section 3-01/090.00 “Personnel Screening Procedures and Allowable Property.”

NOTIFICATION

If you have any questions regarding this informational bulletin, please contact Custody Support Services, Sergeant Markee A. Wilson, at 213-893-5102.