Corrections Act 2004

Corrections system - Coercive powers - Searching of prisoners and other persons

89: Definition of rub-down search

You could also call this:

"A rub-down search is when someone checks your body by touching you outside and inside your clothes."

When you are searched, a rub-down search is a type of search where the person searching you can touch your body. They can run their hand over your body, outside or inside your clothes, but not under your underclothing. They can also put their hand in your pockets or pouches.

The person searching you can ask you to open your mouth, show them your hands or feet, or lift your hair, so they can look at these areas. They can also ask you to remove some of your clothes, like your jacket or coat, to help with the search. You might also be asked to take off your head covering, gloves, or shoes.

The person searching you is allowed to look inside your mouth, nose, and ears, and can use a tool to help them see better, but they cannot put anything inside these areas.

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This page was last updated on 6 August 2025

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM296026.

Topics:

Crime and justice > Police and safety

88: Reporting on use of force, weapons, and mechanical restraints, or

"Telling authorities when force or restraints are used"

90: Definition of strip search, or

"What a strip search is: when you might have to remove clothes to be checked all over"

Part 2Corrections system
Coercive powers: Searching of prisoners and other persons

89Definition of rub-down search

For the purposes of this Act, a rub-down search means a search of a clothed person in which the person conducting the search may do all or any of the following:
run or pat his or her hand over the body of the person being searched, whether outside or inside the clothing (other than any underclothing) of that person:
insert his or her hand inside any pocket or pouch in the clothing (other than any underclothing) of the person being searched:
for the purpose of permitting a visual inspection, require the person being searched to do all or any of the following, namely—
1. open his or her mouth:
2. display the palms of his or her hands:
3. display the soles of his or her feet:
4. lift or rub his or her hair.

For the purpose of facilitating any of the actions referred to in any of paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (1), the person conducting a rub-down search may require the person being searched—
to remove, raise, lower, or open any outer clothing (including (without limitation) any coat, jacket, jumper, or cardigan) being worn by the person being searched, except where that person has no other clothing, or only underclothing, under that outer clothing; and
to remove any head covering, gloves, or footwear (including socks or stockings) being worn by that person.

Authority to conduct a rub-down search includes the authority to conduct a visual examination (whether or not facilitated by any instrument or device designed to illuminate or magnify) of the mouth, nose, and ears, but does not authorise the insertion of any instrument, device, or thing into any orifice of those kinds.

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1954 No 51 s 21D