CDCR CDCR Contraband Control and Search Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What technology is commonly used by CDCR to detect metal contraband without physical contact?
- Walk-through or handheld metal detectors (Correct answer)
- Infrared heat scanners
- Audio frequency analyzers
- Biometric fingerprint scanners
Correct answer: Walk-through or handheld metal detectors
Metal detectors are standard screening tools at CDCR facility entry and exit points to detect weapons and other metal contraband.
Question 2: An inmate is suspected of ingesting contraband. What is the CDCR officer's first action?
- Notify medical staff immediately and follow supervisor instructions (Correct answer)
- Attempt to make the inmate vomit the contraband
- Place the inmate in administrative segregation without medical evaluation
- Conduct a body cavity search independently in the housing unit
Correct answer: Notify medical staff immediately and follow supervisor instructions
Suspected ingestion of contraband is a medical emergency and requires immediate notification of health services and supervisory staff.
Question 3: Under CDCR policy, strip searches of inmates must be conducted:
- By a same-gender officer in a private area, with proper documentation (Correct answer)
- By any available officer regardless of gender in any location
- Only during facility-wide lockdowns with no individual searches permitted
- Without documentation to protect inmate privacy
Correct answer: By a same-gender officer in a private area, with proper documentation
CDCR strip search policy requires same-gender officers, a private setting, and documentation to uphold inmate dignity and legal requirements.
Question 4: What is the CDCR definition of 'nuisance contraband'?
- Items that do not pose a direct safety threat but are prohibited by institutional rules (Correct answer)
- Any item used to threaten another person
- Weapons hidden within legal property
- Controlled substances regardless of quantity
Correct answer: Items that do not pose a direct safety threat but are prohibited by institutional rules
Nuisance contraband includes prohibited items like excess food or unauthorized personal items that violate rules but do not pose immediate danger.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes a 'shakedown' in a CDCR facility?
- A comprehensive search of an entire housing unit or area for contraband (Correct answer)
- A disciplinary interview conducted by a sergeant
- A gang debriefing session for inmates seeking protection
- An unannounced fire drill to test evacuation procedures
Correct answer: A comprehensive search of an entire housing unit or area for contraband
A shakedown is a systematic, often unit-wide search operation conducted to locate and remove contraband from the facility.
Question 6: How should a CDCR officer handle suspected drug paraphernalia found during a cell search?
- Use gloves, secure the item in an evidence envelope, document the find, and report it to a supervisor (Correct answer)
- Touch the item with bare hands for closer inspection
- Flush the item to prevent inmate access
- Place it in the inmate's property box for safekeeping
Correct answer: Use gloves, secure the item in an evidence envelope, document the find, and report it to a supervisor
Drug paraphernalia must be handled with protective equipment, properly packaged as evidence, documented, and reported to preserve the chain of custody.
CDCR CDCR Contraband Control and Search Procedures 2
What technology is commonly used by CDCR to detect metal contraband without physical contact?