AZ HB2068

Repeals existing section 31-236 of Arizona Revised Statutes and replaces it with new provisions governing prisoner searches.

Requires strip searches to be performed only by correctional officers of the same gender as the prisoner in a designated strip search room, with exceptions for immediate searches authorized by shift commander or duty officer in private areas.

Prohibits correctional officers from touching any part of a prisoner's body during strip searches except when inspecting hair on the prisoner's head.

Requires pat searches to be performed by officers of the same gender as the prisoner, except in emergencies where opposite-gender officers may conduct pat searches if documented in the correctional service log with specific information including officer name, badge number, prisoner details, and reason for cross-gender search.

Defines "pat search" as a search where a correctional officer pats down or frisks the body of a clothed prisoner, and requires at least one additional correctional officer to be present when possible during cross-gender pat searches.