Who are qualified to conduct a cavity search?

• A. Fairfax hospital physician
• B. Jail nurse
• C. Police officer
• D. Attorney

Answer: (A)

Internal cavity searches are invasive medical procedures, so they must be done by someone with licensed medical training. A hospital physician has the appropriate qualifications to perform such procedures safely, recognize potential complications, and follow medical privacy and consent considerations. Jail staff like a nurse may handle routine care, but conducting an internal search isn’t within the typical scope of practice for non-physician personnel. Police officers and attorneys aren’t medical professionals, and performing an invasive search without proper medical qualifications could cause harm and raise legal issues. In custody settings, the procedure is typically carried out by medical staff to ensure safety and legality.