A exaustive search for contraband, involving stripping out of clothes. These are generally conducted in prisions and jails. It normally has two officers involved. It begins with the inmate removing there clothing, and shaking them out to make sure there are no items in them. The inmate will then be asked to put there hands in the air (and sometimes to get on the ground) for inspection. Officers will then search the mouth for contraband. The inmate will run there hands through there hair. Generally, the inmate will then keep there hands on there head, and be asked to
squat and cough. After this, the inmate will be asked to lift there genitals (for males) and breasts (for females). As a trans woman, I was asked to do both. Then, they will
face the wall, and
bend and spread. There is also sometimes a pat-down, but that is rare. The strip search is preformed when entering and exiting the cell block to prevent contraband.
Related phrases:
bend and spread
hands on your head
get on the ground