Guidance

Searching policy

Detention services order 09/2012 about searching detainees, staff and visitors at removal centres.

• From: Home Office and Immigration Enforcement
• Published: 1 August 2012
• Last updated: 25 August 2026
  Show all updates

  1. 25 August 2026

     Updated to version 7.0 of the guidance; amendment to DET process for seized documents.

  2. 12 March 2026

     The guidance has been updated.

  3. 17 December 2025

     Updated reference to Section 51 of the Immigration Act 2016, as amended by section 44 of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025.

  4. 31 March 2022

     Updated Detention Services Order 09/2012.

  5. 19 November 2019

     Updated searching policy guidance.

  6. 14 August 2018

     General update to reflect the new searching powers of IA2016.

  7. 11 December 2014

     updated guidance

  8. 1 August 2012

     First published.

Documents

Searching policy (accessible)

HTML

Searching policy

PDF, 292 KB, 16 pages

Details

Home Office detention services order about searching detainees, staff, visitors, vehicles and mail in removal centres, pre-departure accommodation, short-term holding facilities, and under escort.