G8.3.1 Search of Arrestee
Chapter: Chapter 08: Arrestee Processing and Transportation
Sub-Chapter: 8.3 - Arrestee Transportation
Effective Date: 02/27/2024
Revised Date: 02/27/2024
Rescinds: None
Purpose
To describe the security and control procedures the Indiana University Police Department (IUPD) will follow when transporting persons who are under arrest.
General Order
The IUPD officers will search and transport arrestees in a manner that provides adequate safety for both the transporting officer(s) and the arrestee(s).
Search of all arrestees prior to transport (8.3.1 a)
All arrestees will be controlled utilizing the appropriate authorized restraints prior to being searched. The transporting officer will conduct a thorough search of the arrestee(s) prior to placing the arrestee(s) in the officer’s vehicle. Even if a search has already been conducted by another officer, an additional search of the arrestee(s) will be conducted by the transporting officer. The search is conducted to secure any weapons, means of escape, contraband, and any other items the arrestee(s) may have in their possession.
Whenever possible, searches should be conducted by a person of the same sex or gender as the arrested person. If the arrestee identifies with a specific gender which they feel more comfortable, every attempt within reason should be made to have an officer of that gender conduct the search. However, to ensure the safety of the officer and the arrestee, there may be instances in which an arrestee will need to be searched by an officer of the opposite sex or different gender. In these situations, the search will be conducted in an appropriate manner in order to locate any weapons, means of escape, or contraband. Officers will consider:
- using of the back of the officer’s hand, particularly when searching sensitive areas,
- conducting the search in a place which allows for it to be video recorded if possible, and
- conducting the search in the presence of a witness if feasible.
Search of vehicle (8.3.1 b)
At the beginning of each shift, officers will conduct a thorough search of their patrol vehicles for contraband, weapons, or any items that could be used for escape.
Prior to placing an arrestee in a police vehicle, the transporting officer will conduct a thorough search of the interior of the vehicle to ensure that the area is free from any contraband, weapons, or any other item that could be used as a weapon or means of escape.
After completing the arrestee transport, the transporting officer will conduct a thorough search of the vehicle. Any weapons, contraband, or other items located during the search will be reported and inventoried in accordance with G15.1.2 Receipt of Property and Evidence.
Seating arrangements in vehicles without safety barriers (8.3.1 c)
Arrestees will never be left unattended in an IUPD police vehicle. All arrestees transported in an IUPD police vehicle will be monitored frequently to ensure their well-being.
Arrestees should be transported in a vehicle that contains an area specially designed for arrestee transport. Requests for assistance from the local law enforcement agency may be made.
If no arrestee transport vehicle is available and an arrestee must be transported in an IUPD vehicle that does not contain an area specially designed for arrestee transport, the arrestee will be placed in such a manner as to afford the transporting officer(s) the greatest degree of visibility and control of the arrestee. The arrestee may be seated in the front passenger seat or the rear seat behind the front passenger seat.
Restraints authorized and methods used during arrestee transports (8.3.1 d)
The IUPD authorizes the following restraints:
- Flex cuffs
- Handcuffs
- Hobble strap
- Leg shackles
- Spit net hood
- WRAP
The IUPD will supply the authorized restraints. Officers are prohibited from using any other restraint that has not been issued or supplied to them by the IUPD.
Officers will be trained in the appropriate application of authorized restraints. All restraints will be applied consistent with training. Officers will not use any restraint for which they have not received training.
Arrestees being transported will be restrained in an appropriate manner based on the totality of the circumstances. Officers will consider the potential danger to themselves, other officers, and the public as well as the safety and security of the arrestee when determining the appropriate restraints to be used. When possible, the arrestee will be secured with a seatbelt by the officer locking the seatbelt in place.
When handcuffs or flex cuffs are used, it is preferred they be applied so as to have the person’s hands positioned behind their backs. Restraining a person’s hands in the front is permissible due to medical, physical, or other limitations of the person. Handcuffs and flex cuffs will be tightened as necessary to prevent escape but not to inflict injury. Once applied, handcuffs and flex cuffs will be tested for appropriate tightness. Handcuffs will be double locked to prevent any further tightening. Flex cuffs will only be removed using the department supplied tool designed for this purpose.
Spit net hoods may be placed on arrestees who pose a risk by spitting. Once applied, the arrestee will be monitored to ensure they can breathe and will not be left unattended.
The hobble strap may be used on persons who are or have been combative and officers have deemed it reasonably necessary to limit the movements of a person’s limb(s).
The WRAP is a system of total restraint that may be used on persons who are or have been combative and officers have deemed it reasonably necessary to immobilize the person to prevent further violent or combative behavior. Once applied, the person will not be left unattended.
Tying the hands and feet together behind a person’s back (i.e., “hog-tying”) is strictly prohibited.