A body cavity search is an examination of the inside of the vagina or rectum to locate contraband and requires a warrant.

• A. It must be authorized by a court order only.
• B. It can be performed by any officer without warrant.
• C. It is an inspection of the inside of the vagina or rectum to locate contraband and requires a warrant.
• D. It is the same as a strip search.

Answer: (C)

Body cavity searches are among the most invasive procedures police can perform because they involve examining inside the body to locate contraband. Because of the serious privacy interests at stake, such searches require a warrant issued by a judge or magistrate based on probable cause. They cannot be conducted by any officer without authorization, as doing so would violate the Fourth Amendment protections. And they are not the same as a strip search; a body cavity search is far more invasive and subject to stricter safeguards, including the requirement for a warrant and typically medical involvement. Therefore, the described scenario—an inspection of the inside of the vagina or rectum to locate contraband that requires a warrant—fits the correct understanding.