What is a cavity search?

A cavity search is a procedure where law enforcement officers or security personnel search an individual's body cavities, such as the mouth, ears, nose, and rectum, to look for hidden contraband or weapons. This type of search is typically conducted in situations where there is reasonable suspicion that the individual may be concealing something illegal that cannot be found through a regular pat-down search.

Cavity searches are considered to be a serious intrusion of privacy and are usually only conducted as a last resort when other search methods have failed to uncover any contraband. They are often highly regulated and must be conducted in a professional and respectful manner to prevent any allegations of misconduct or abuse.

The legality of cavity searches varies by jurisdiction, but in most cases, they must be conducted by a trained professional in a private and sanitary environment. Individuals have the right to refuse a cavity search, but in some circumstances, such as in a correctional facility or at a border crossing, they may be legally required to comply.