MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

True or False: Officers have authority to search the contents of a subject’s personal items after a second thorough search in lock-up.

1. True

2. False

3. Only if probable cause is established

4. Only for weapons

The correct answer is: True

When considering whether officers have the authority to search the contents of a subject's personal items after a second thorough search in lock-up, the relationship between procedural protocol and legal standards is vital. Generally, officers are permitted to conduct searches in secure settings, such as lock-ups, to ensure safety and security. The rationale for the adherence to this practice comes from the need to maintain order and ensure that no contraband or dangerous items are introduced into the locked facility. The authority to conduct subsequent searches can derive from either the necessity to confirm safety or from circumstances that require a further investigation after the initial search, especially in regards to personal items that may have been overlooked. The context of "second thorough search" indicates that an officer is vigilant about maintaining safety protocols. Thus, the authority to search personal items aligns with the expectation that officers are acting within legal boundaries to safeguard the detention environment.