Guidance

Searching detainees at removal centres

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: 17 December 2025 — See all updates

Documents

Searching policy (accessible version)

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Searching policy

PDF, 256 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.

Published 1 August 2012

Last updated 17 December 2025 + show all updates

1. 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.

2. 31 March 2022

   Updated Detention Services Order 09/2012.

3. 19 November 2019

   Updated searching policy guidance.

4. 14 August 2018

   General update to reflect the new searching powers of IA2016.

5. 11 December 2014

   updated guidance

6. 1 August 2012

   First published.