A bill in the Iowa Legislature would allow more strip searches of inmates in city and county jails, in accordance with a U-S Supreme Court ruling.
Under the bill, people arrested for simple misdemeanors such as public intoxication or possession of drug paraphernalia could be searched for contraband even without probable cause. Lisa Davis Cook with the Iowa Association for Justice objects.
Iowa law already allows so-called visual searches without probable cause for more serious offenses. A-C-L-U attorney Pete McRoberts says the bill should only cover violent offenders, but Marshall County Sheriff’s Department chief deputy, Steve Hoffman, says that could pose a threat to officers.
Law enforcement officers say those arrested for minor crimes can still carry weapons into jails, sometimes at the urging of accused felons temporarily housed at the jail. The bill cleared a three-member House committee after skeptics insisted on exempting those who are in custody for a short time and don’t end up in the jail’s general population. (RadioIowa)
