The Controversy of Body Cavity Searches

There are several controversial methods of gathering non testimonial evidence. Among these methods, body cavity searches are the most controversial. Much of this controversy stems from the argument that body cavity searches severely infringe on an individuals right to privacy. Also, it is argued that body cavity searches are used as sources of humiliation and harassment, rather than effective evidence collection techniques. Cases concerning body cavity searches and rights to suspects have been presented several times to the US Supreme Court.

There are several types of body cavity searches. The least invasive is the strip search. This type of search requires persons to remove their clothing and other personal effects to check for contraband. The other type is body cavity searches are broken into two separate subcategories. The first of the two subcategories is through visual body cavity search, a flashlight is used to illuminate body orifices, including nostrils, ears, mouth, male penis (urethra and foreskin), female vagina, and rectum. Usually the person being searched is required to contort so that all body orifices may be examined for contraband. A second type is the manual body cavity searches, in which body orifices are probed using fingers or instruments. This is the type of search that causes the most legal controversy and is usually required to be court approved and completed by a medical doctor. When suspects choose to refuse a visual search the manual search is enabled.