Strip Searches Rarely Find Contraband

A report based on nationwide prison data reveals that the vast majority of strip searches fail to find contraband, with success rates below 1%. The authors of the study are calling for an end to what they describe as a "traumatising and degrading practice" that provides little security benefit.

The findings come as prisons continue to implement routine strip searches despite their low effectiveness in detecting prohibited items. Researchers argue that the practice causes significant psychological harm without commensurate security returns.