Strip, body cavity searches — Warrant required — Exceptions.
RCW 10.79.130
in effect(1) No person to whom this section is made applicable by RCW 10.79.120 may be strip searched without a warrant unless: (a) There is a reasonable suspicion to believe that a strip search is necessary to discover weapons, criminal evidence, contraband, or other thing concealed on the body of the person to be searched, that constitutes a threat to the security of a holding, detention, or local correctional facility; (b) There is probable cause to believe that a strip search is necessary to discover other criminal evidence concealed on the body of the person to be searched, but not constituting a threat to facility security; or (c) There is a reasonable suspicion to believe that a strip search is necessary to discover a health condition requiring immediate medical attention. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1) of this section, a reasonable suspicion is deemed to be present when the person to be searched has been arrested for: (a) A violent offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030 or any successor statute; (b) An offense involving escape, burglary, or the use of a deadly weapon; or (c) An offense involving possession of a drug or controlled substance under chapter 69.41 , 69.50, or 69.52 RCW or any successor statute.
(1) No person to whom this section is made applicable by RCW 10.79.120 may be strip searched without a warrant unless:
(a) There is a reasonable suspicion to believe that a strip search is necessary to discover weapons, criminal evidence, contraband, or other thing concealed on the body of the person to be searched, that constitutes a threat to the security of a holding, detention, or local correctional facility;
(b) There is probable cause to believe that a strip search is necessary to discover other criminal evidence concealed on the body of the person to be searched, but not constituting a threat to facility security; or
(c) There is a reasonable suspicion to believe that a strip search is necessary to discover a health condition requiring immediate medical attention.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1) of this section, a reasonable suspicion is deemed to be present when the person to be searched has been arrested for:
(a) A violent offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030 or any successor statute;
(b) An offense involving escape, burglary, or the use of a deadly weapon; or
(c) An offense involving possession of a drug or controlled substance under chapter 69.41 , 69.50, or 69.52 RCW or any successor statute.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=10.79&full=trueFetched: 6/28/2026