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Corrections Act 2004

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

98: Search of cells

You could also call this:

"Prison officers can search your cell at any time to keep you and others safe"

If you are in a prison, an officer can search your cell at any time to find anything you are not allowed to have. The officer is looking for things that you should not have in your cell. This rule does not change any other rules that allow officers to search cells to keep the prison safe.

An officer can search a cell for any reason that helps keep the prison secure. This is in addition to searching for things you are not allowed to have. The officer has the power to search a cell to make sure everyone in the prison is safe.

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This page was last updated on

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM296038.

Topics:
Crime and justice > Police and safety
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97: Use of dogs for searching, or

"Officers can use dogs to help search you, but must do it respectfully and carefully."

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98A: Scanner search of prisoners, or

"Prison officers can use scanners to check prisoners for forbidden items or health risks at any time."

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

98Search of cells

  1. An officer may conduct a search of any cell in a prison, at any time, for the purpose of detecting any unauthorised item.

  2. Nothing in this section limits or affects any power or authority to search or inspect any cell in any prison for any purpose relating to the security of the prison.

Compare
  • 1954 No 51 s 21K
Notes
  • Section 98: replaced, on , by section 28 of the Corrections Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 41).