What is the definition of a strip search?

• A. Having an arrested person remove or arrange clothing to permit visual inspection of genitals, buttocks, anus, female breasts or undergarments
• B. Inspecting only outer clothing
• C. Frisk search of pockets
• D. Cavity search without consent

Answer: (C)

The essential idea here is what makes a strip search different from other kinds of searches. A strip search is when a person is required to remove or adjust their clothing so that an officer can visually inspect areas that are normally covered, such as the genitals, buttocks, anus, breasts, or undergarments. It’s about revealing those concealed parts to check for contraband or evidence, and it’s more invasive than other common searches.

That’s why the description that involves removing or rearranging clothing to permit a visual inspection of the covered areas is the right one. By contrast, inspecting only outer clothing or doing a frisk of pockets are less intrusive and do not amount to a strip search. A cavity search is a separate, far more invasive procedure that typically has its own strict rules and consent requirements, and is not what’s described by a strip search.