Which best describes a strip search?

• A. A search of a vehicle during traffic stop.
• B. A search of a home without a warrant.
• C. An inspection of a body cavity.
• D. A visual inspection of genitals, buttocks, anus, or female breasts; removing or rearranging clothing to expose undergarments.

Answer: (D)

A strip search is a visual inspection of a person that requires removing or rearranging clothing to expose the undergarments, including examining the genitals, buttocks, anus, or female breasts. This definition fits best because it describes both the act of exposing intimate areas and the process of removing or rearranging clothing to reveal undergarments. The other scenarios describe different types of searches: a vehicle search targets property outside the person, a home search involves the residence (usually with a warrant), and a body cavity inspection goes beyond surface inspection to internal examination. Because of the privacy and dignity concerns involved, strip searches are tightly regulated and typically require privacy, trained personnel, appropriate safeguards, and documentation, with attention to who conducts the search and under what circumstances.