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RapidScan virtual strip search of a prison visitor required hearing on reasonableness

By John Wesley Hall, Jr.

RapidScan search at a mental health prison that is a virtual strip search raised sufficient questions that they could not be resolved here on summary judgment, and a hearing would be held on whether the use here was reasonable under Bell v. Wolfish. From the FAQs on the maufacturer's website: Q: How are persons scanned? A: A person faces the Secure 1000 and a front scan is generated. The person turns around and a rear scan is generated. Within seconds, a computer-aided image of the subject appears on the monitor revealing any objects concealed under or within the subjects clothing. Q: What is the operating principle of the Secure 1000? A: A narrow, low energy X-ray beam is scanned over the body surface. The reflection or backscatter of the beam is detected, digitized and computer stored...continue to full post

Full post as published by Fourth Amendment on October 26, 2008 (boomark / email).