Guidelines for doctors asked to perform intimate body searches
Joint guidance from the BMA and the Association of Police Surgeons
January 1994; revised April 1999
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Doctors are sometimes asked to perform intimate body searches of people in police custody, prisoners or people suspected by HM Customs & Excise of smuggling drugs or other goods. The British Medical Association and the Association of Police Surgeons believe that detained individuals and suspects who are capable of considering the issues and reaching a decision should always be invited to give consent irrespective of the fact that, in certain circumstances, consent is not a legal requirement. At its Annual Representative Meeting in 1989, the BMA discussed this issue and passed the following resolution, which became the formal policy of the Association:
"That this meeting believes that no medical practitioner should take part in an intimate body search of a subject without that subject's consent."
This guidance specifically addresses the situation where an intimate examination is proposed which is not primarily for the medical benefit of the individual. Where valid consent is obtained doctors may undertake such examinations although, as the search will not be for the benefit of the patient, particular attention needs to be given to the potential pressures on the individual.
1 What is an "intimate" search?
An intimate search is a search which consists of a physical examination of a person's body orifices other than the mouth.
Requests for further information and all enquiries should be directed to the Medical Ethics Department at the British Medical Association or to the Association of Police Surgeons.