2006-11-26 09:57:48 · 24 answers · asked by sheila 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
A male cop can "frisk" a female for weapons, and once the threat of any weapon is gone, then the officer should get a female officer to search the female. Now, depending on the location and the need for a search, and the chance that a female officer is not available, then the male officer should have a witness, even if it has to be a public citizen, but the male officers has to be able to justify his actions and be able to document all that he "had" to do and "why". Many states have different policies.
2006-11-26 10:09:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Within reason NO. The officer has the right to make sure the female has no weapons on her. There is a particular "pat down" technique males use for females when a female officer is not available..for example...in a male officers case, they are not allowed to search around the genital and breast areas but a quick pat down of the legs is acceptable. When a female officer is present she is allowed to fully search the person...granted they wont strip the female down on the side of the street but they have more leeway than a male officer does. The officer must be allowed to somewhat search the female for their personal safety...if they didnt the female could have a gun hidden in their pants stuck in their shoe or something and could shoot the officer once they are in the vehicle.
2006-11-28 21:39:34 · answer #2 · answered by tomarescobar 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the type of search, if it's a full body search a male police officer cannot do it all all. It must be done by a female officer. If it's just a routine search, hand bag, pockets, etc, then a male officer is permitted to conduct the search. Most police jurisdictions will insist that he have another officer or female employee present though.
2006-11-26 19:11:34 · answer #3 · answered by patti duke 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, it is not. But it is against most agencies policies to allow a male to search a female. However, a female can search a male with no problem in most agencies. However, it can be done when all female officers are busy and with a witness, at least thats how it is done out here.
2006-11-26 20:33:29 · answer #4 · answered by troopermurphy154 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you ever watched COPS on TV. Male officers search females all the time. If it was illegal, do you think the officers would allow the searches to be used on TV?. They can't perform a 'strip search', but they can check for weapons and search possessions.
2006-11-26 20:21:57 · answer #5 · answered by STEVEN F 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would think that in most cases if a female officer were available, they would use a female officer to perform the search, but if not, then there would be a another officer to observe to ensure that nothing was done inappropriately, unless the situation was such that there was no other option.
2006-11-26 18:00:34 · answer #6 · answered by Toms777 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but for their safety as well as the safety of the subject being search, they usually request that another officer be present, before the search began.If one is available, they would send for a female officer to do the search.
2006-11-26 18:27:28 · answer #7 · answered by WC 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe a male officer can only pat down a female for weapons. any further search is generally required to be done by a female. However local laws do vary
2006-11-26 18:04:17 · answer #8 · answered by Randy M 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
not for a cop, but for some states only a female can search a female in a bounty hunting situation
2006-11-26 18:02:24 · answer #9 · answered by TJ815 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, generally, i think it may be...but for sure a male cop may search a female if that female is hiding something that is potentially dangerous to the cop and he can't wait for backup!
2006-11-26 18:06:37 · answer #10 · answered by thesunshineking 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋