Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Powers and duties of detainee custody officers

2 (1) A detainee custody officer exercising custodial functions has power—

(a) to search (in accordance with rules made by the Secretary of State) any detained person in relation to whom the officer is exercising custodial functions; and

(b) to search any other person who is in, or is seeking to enter, any place where any such detained person is or is to be held, and any article in the possession of such a person.

(2) The power conferred by sub-paragraph (1)(b) does not authorise requiring a person to remove any of his clothing other than an outer coat, jacket or glove.

(3) As respects a detained person in relation to whom he is exercising custodial functions, it is the duty of a detainee custody officer—

(a) to prevent that person’s escape from lawful custody;

(b) to prevent, or detect and report on, the commission or attempted commission by him of other unlawful acts;

(c) to ensure good order and discipline on his part; and

(d) to attend to his wellbeing.

(4) The powers conferred by sub-paragraph (1), and the powers arising by virtue of sub-paragraph (3), include power to use reasonable force where necessary.