Pubdate: Fri, 20 Apr 2001
Source: Bakersfield Californian (CA)
Copyright: 2001, The Bakersfield Californian
Contact:  http://www.bakersfield.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/36
Author: Tim Bragg, Californian staff writer

BAKERSFIELD POLICE ESTABLISH STRIP SEARCH POLICY

In response to media attention over a complaint filed against the 
Bakersfield Police Department, officials have issued a new, temporary 
policy regarding strip searches of subjects in the field.

The department is conducting research to develop a permanent policy. They 
plan to start keeping records on how often the procedure is done.

Police Chief Eric Matlock issued a memo to all sworn officers of the police 
department, notifying them of the change on Friday.

"Even though police management may not agree with some of the allegations 
made in this case, the BPD does recognize the need to set down a policy on 
the procedure," Matlock said.

"The department is conducting research to ensure the policy conforms with 
the legal opinions and case law that cover this procedure," he said.

Two men, 20-year-old Tony Eddington and 25-year-old Robert Johnson, both of 
Bakersfield, filed a complaint alleging that an officer strip-searched them 
in the back of a Bakersfield Police Department police cruiser during a 
traffic stop on the night of March 23.

Although one was on parole and the other on probation, the men believe the 
strip search was illegal and unreasonable.

According to the memo, officers on the street will have to contact and 
obtain verbal permission from a supervisor to conduct a strip search in the 
field for contraband, except for weapons, which could be a danger to the 
officers.

When conducting strip searches, officers must consider the well-being of 
the suspect, the level of exposure to the public, and the necessity of 
searching in the field as opposed to a secure location.
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D