CA AB2550

Male correctional officers are prohibited from conducting pat down searches of female inmates unless the inmate presents a risk of immediate harm to herself or others, poses a risk of escape, and no female correctional officer is available to conduct the search.

Male correctional officers are prohibited from entering areas where female inmates may be in a state of undress (restrooms, shower areas, medical treatment areas) unless there is an immediate risk of harm to an inmate, a medical emergency exists, and no female correctional officer can safely resolve the situation without assistance.

Staff of the opposite sex must announce their presence when entering a housing unit to prevent incidental viewing of female inmates in states of undress.

Male correctional officers must document any pat down searches or entries into prohibited areas within three days of the incident, with documentation to be reviewed by the warden and retained by the institution.

The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation may promulgate regulations to implement these requirements.