Economic Unit
Junior Member
What is the name of your state? Tx
I work for the State Prison system as a contract employee in the medical field. Originally I only worked within the prison system, but certain areas within the prison were acquired by outside agencies and subsequently contracted out. Contraban occasionally finds its way into the prison. The prison deals with this problem by conducting 'surprise' early morning searches as workers are entering the parking area. Once a worker turns into the parking lot, s/he is not allowed to leave. They remain in line and each vehicle is searched by security guards and drug dogs. It is certainly a discomforting feeling to see someone search through personal belongings in the glove box, trunk, interior, etc. and have a dog walk through the vehicle. At first, a sign was clearly posted at the entrance of the gate that goes into the prison that stated 'all persons entering in are subject to search...'. Later, a sign was posted at the entrance into the parking lot. During these surprise searches, two or three city or county police cars are also on the property, however, I don't believe they participate in the actual search. Doesn't Federal law protect even State workers against unlawful search and seizure? Wouldn't a search warrant still be required naming 'who' is to be searched, and 'where' the search will take place?
I work for the State Prison system as a contract employee in the medical field. Originally I only worked within the prison system, but certain areas within the prison were acquired by outside agencies and subsequently contracted out. Contraban occasionally finds its way into the prison. The prison deals with this problem by conducting 'surprise' early morning searches as workers are entering the parking area. Once a worker turns into the parking lot, s/he is not allowed to leave. They remain in line and each vehicle is searched by security guards and drug dogs. It is certainly a discomforting feeling to see someone search through personal belongings in the glove box, trunk, interior, etc. and have a dog walk through the vehicle. At first, a sign was clearly posted at the entrance of the gate that goes into the prison that stated 'all persons entering in are subject to search...'. Later, a sign was posted at the entrance into the parking lot. During these surprise searches, two or three city or county police cars are also on the property, however, I don't believe they participate in the actual search. Doesn't Federal law protect even State workers against unlawful search and seizure? Wouldn't a search warrant still be required naming 'who' is to be searched, and 'where' the search will take place?