Who conducts a Digital Cavity Search?

• A. Conducted by security staff without medical involvement
• B. Requires probable cause to search
• C. Conducted by medical personnel in all cases
• D. Conducted by medical personnel, except in exigent circumstances requiring emergency action

Answer: (D)

Digital cavity searches involve an invasive medical procedure, so trained medical personnel should perform them to ensure proper technique, minimize risk of harm, protect privacy, and maintain proper medical documentation. The exception is when there is an urgent safety need and no time to wait for medical staff; in those exigent circumstances, security personnel may initiate action to address the immediate threat, with medical personnel taking over as soon as possible. This approach upholds medical standards and detainee rights while providing a practical path in emergencies.

Other options don’t fit because they either place the procedure entirely outside medical oversight, or focus on legal justification rather than who conducts the procedure, or ignore the emergency exception that allows temporary action by non-medical staff.