25-c-6 Departmental Directives and Privacy Rights

• Library: A Jailhouse Lawyer's Manual (2020 Edition)

25-C-6. Departmental Directives and Privacy Rights

The New York DOCCS Directives have specific rules for each state prison. Look in your prison library for a copy of these directives.

These directives have additional rules for searches that may be stricter than the court rules. For example, the directives say that only a physician under the supervision of Central Office physician guidance can conduct body cavity searches.¹⁶⁰ The body cavity search must take place in the examining room. The official must use professional, hygienic techniques and explain the procedure to you. The physician must also give you a chance to give up contraband voluntarily. One corrections officer of your sex must be present to witness the examination.¹⁶¹ These rules are intended to make sure that no one, including health officials, humiliates or harasses you. If anyone does harass you, you may bring a complaint alleging violation of the professional standards set out in the directives.

The New York Directives also say that when you are transferred from one DOCCS facility to...