The bill amends Section 32A-2-4 of the New Mexico Statutes to establish new regulations regarding strip and body cavity searches in detention facilities, as well as to prohibit the use of cameras in certain areas. Specifically, it stipulates that such searches may only be conducted if there is probable cause that dangerous contraband is present and requires authorization from the facility superintendent or their designee. Additionally, the bill mandates that any strip or body cavity search must be documented in an incident report that includes detailed information about the child, the probable cause, the methods used, and the personnel involved. This report must be submitted to the superintendent or their designee by the next business day.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits the installation of cameras or recording devices in shower and toilet areas of detention facilities to ensure the privacy and dignity of the children detained. These changes aim to enhance the safety and rights of juveniles in detention while ensuring that any necessary searches are conducted with proper oversight and documentation.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 32A-2-4