(a) This section applies to all minors detained in a juvenile detention center on the grounds that he or she is a person described in Section 300, 601, or 602 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and all minors adjudged a ward of the court and held in a juvenile detention center on the grounds he or she is a person described in Section 300, 601, or 602 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(b) Persons conducting a strip search or a visual body cavity search shall not touch the breasts, buttocks, or genitalia of the person being searched.
(c) A physical body cavity search shall be conducted under sanitary conditions, and only by a physician, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, licensed vocational nurse, or emergency medical technician Level II licensed to practice in this state. A physician engaged in providing health care to detainees, wards, and inmates of the facility may conduct physical body cavity searches.
(d) A person conducting or otherwise present or within sight of the inmate during a strip search or visual or physical body cavity search shall be of the same sex as the person being searched, except for physicians or licensed medical personnel.
(e) All strip searches and visual and physical body cavity searches shall be conducted in an area of privacy so that the search cannot be observed by persons not participating in the search. Persons are considered to be participating in the search if their official duties relative to search procedure require them to be present at the time the search is conducted.
(f) A person who knowingly and willfully authorizes or conducts a strip search and visual or physical body cavity search in violation of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(g) This section shall not be construed as limiting the common law or statutory rights of a person regarding an action for damages or injunctive relief, or as precluding the prosecution under another law of a peace officer or other person who has violated this section.
(h) Any person who suffers damage or harm as a result of a violation of this section may bring a civil action to recover actual damages, or one thousand dollars ($1,000), whichever is greater. In addition, the court may, in its discretion, award punitive damages, equitable relief as it deems necessary and proper, and costs, including reasonable attorney’s fees.
(i) This section does not limit the protections granted by Section 4030 to individuals described in subdivision (b) of that section.
(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 86, Sec. 240. (SB 1171) Effective January 1, 2017.)
Last modified: October 25, 2018