Which search method is used when a subject is taken into custody in an unsecured environment and involves physically patting and squeezing the clothing?

Which search method is used when a subject is taken into custody in an unsecured environment and involves physically patting and squeezing the clothing?

• A. Strip search
• B. Cell or area search
• C. Custodial search
• D. Pat search

Answer: (C)

A custodial search is used when a subject is taken into custody and under security control, so staff check the person for weapons or contraband. In this context, it can involve a physical pat-down of the outer clothing to feel for concealed items, which matches the description of patting and squeezing the clothing. This is different from a strip search, which is much more invasive and occurs in private with strict procedures; a pat search, while it involves patting, is typically a quicker frisk of outer clothing in non-custodial or less controlled settings; and a cell or area search targets the surroundings rather than the person itself.