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New law would let Canadian prison officers strip search inmates without consent |
By Canadian Press |
Published: 05/17/2004 |
Prison officers in British Columbia, Canada, could soon have permission to strip search prisoners at any time without their consent. New legislation introduced last Monday will spell out how the searches can be conducted and make B.C. policies consistent with other provinces and the federal government, said Solicitor General Rich Coleman. Bill 44, the Corrections Act, would let officers strip search inmates without consent when officers have probable cause. Officers could also strip search visitors, but only with their consent. Coleman said the legislation will ensure the privacy and dignity of people being searched, while helping stem the flow of contraband like weapons and drugs into B.C. jails. "Corrections staff do a tough and remarkable job every day," he said. "I'm pleased this act will improve their safety and the safety of others in our correctional centres while protecting everyone's rights and freedoms," said Coleman. The legislation was partly a response to court rulings, including one that said routine strip searches of prisoners at a Vancouver pre-trial centre are illegal. |
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