Intimate Search of Detained Persons

PACE 1984, s.55

Warrant: No
Force: Yes
Notice: No

Provides that an intimate search of a person in police detention may be authorised by an officer of at least inspector rank if there are reasonable grounds to believe the detained person has concealed on them an item which could be used to cause physical injury, or a Class A drug which the person had in their possession with intent to supply or export. An intimate search is defined as a physical examination of a body orifice other than the mouth.

Conditions

Authorisation must be given by an officer of at least inspector rank
There must be reasonable grounds for believing the person has concealed a harmful item or Class A drug
Drug-related intimate searches must be carried out by a registered medical practitioner or registered nurse
The search must be conducted at a police station, hospital, or medical surgery
The person searched must be informed of the reason for the search

Limitations

Must be carried out by a person of the same sex
Drug searches must be carried out by a medical professional: they cannot be conducted by police officers
A full record of the search, its grounds, and its results must be made
The detained person must be told why the search is necessary

Last updated 24 September 2026