DOC 376.14(6) (6) If staff find an unauthorized object under sub. (3) or (4), the visitor may be denied entry to the facility and visiting privileges may be suspended.

DOC 376.14(7) (7) If a visitor is denied entry to a facility for refusal to permit a search or if a search is conducted of a visitor under sub. (4), the staff involved shall submit a written report to the superintendent that states all of the following:

DOC 376.14(7)(a) (a) The identity of all staff involved and the person who approved the search.

DOC 376.14(7)(b) (b) The identity of the visitor and the youth being visited.

DOC 376.14(7)(c) (c) The date and time of the search or proposed search.

DOC 376.14(7)(d) (d) The reason for the request to permit a search, including the basis for the belief that unauthorized objects were concealed by the visitor.

DOC 376.14(7)(e) (e) Whether unauthorized objects were seized pursuant to the search and a description of the objects.

DOC 376.14(7)(f) (f) Any involvement of the sheriff or local law enforcement.

DOC 376.14(8) (8) If an unauthorized object is found pursuant to a search of a visitor, the superintendent shall dispose of the object consistent with s. DOC 376.17.

DOC 376.14(9) (9) Staff shall conduct all inspections and searches in a courteous manner and shall strive to protect the dignity of visitors who are inspected or searched.

DOC 376.14(10) (10) If the facility finds an unauthorized object pursuant to the search under this section, and it is illegal to conceal or possess the object, the superintendent shall inform a law enforcement agency and turn the object over to the law enforcement agency for referral to the district attorney and deny the visit. If the facility determines that the visitor appears to be under the influence of an intoxicating substance, the superintendent shall deny the visit and may inform a law enforcement agency.

DOC 376.14 History History: Cr. Register, June, 2000, No. 534, eff. 7-1-00; CR 24-003: am. (1) to (3), renum. (4) (a) to (4) and am., r. (4) (b), am. (5), (6), (7) (intro.), cr. (10) Register February 2025 No. 830, eff. 3-1-25; correction in (5) made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register February 2025 No. 830.

DOC 376.15 DOC 376.15 Search of staff.

DOC 376.15(1) (1) Each facility shall give staff written notice of the objects that they may not carry into or out of the facility.

DOC 376.15(2) (2) The superintendent may require that staff regularly submit to a personal search before they enter or leave a facility. As part of the personal search, the superintendent may require staff to submit themselves and objects they carry into or out of the facility to inspection by a device designed to detect metal or unauthorized objects.

DOC 376.15(3) (3) The superintendent may require that staff vehicles and personal possessions be searched while on facility grounds. Staff who refuse to submit to a search shall not be admitted to the facility and may be subject to disciplinary action.

DOC 376.15(4) (4) If an unauthorized object is found pursuant to a search conducted under this section, the superintendent shall dispose of the object consistent with s. DOC 376.17.

DOC 376.15(5) (5) All searches shall be conducted in a courteous manner. Staff shall strive to protect the dignity of staff who are searched.

DOC 376.15 History History: Cr. Register, June, 2000, No. 534, eff. 7-1-00; CR 24-003: r. and recr. Register February 2025 No. 830, eff. 3-1-25.

DOC 376.16 DOC 376.16 Factors to consider to determine if a search is necessary. Prior to searching a visitor, a youth or other staff, staff shall determine that reasonable grounds or probable cause exists to believe the person being searched possesses contraband. Staff shall consider all of the following factors.

DOC 376.16(1) (1) The reliability of information provided by an informant indicating the existence of contraband by assessing whether the information is detailed, consistent and corroborated.

DOC 376.16(2) (2) The reliability of an informant by considering whether the informant has supplied reliable information in the past and whether the informant has reason to supply inaccurate information.

DOC 376.16(3) (3) The activity of a visitor, youth or staff that relates to whether the person to be searched might carry contraband.

DOC 376.16(4) (4) The information provided by the person who may be searched which is relevant to whether the person possesses contraband.

DOC 376.16 History History: Cr. Register, June, 2000, No. 534, eff. 7-1-00.

DOC 376.17 DOC 376.17 Seizure and disposal of contraband.

DOC 376.17(1) (1) Staff who reasonably believe that an item is contraband may seize the item. Items seized shall be sent to the superintendent and documented in accordance with s. DOC 376.13 (6). Items that are not contraband shall be returned to the owner consistent with facility policy and procedure. Contraband shall be returned to the owner, given to the appropriate law enforcement agency or disposed of in accordance with this section.

DOC 376.17(3) (3) Disposal of contraband shall be accomplished in one of the following ways:

DOC 376.17(3)(a) (a) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, if the owner can be determined, the superintendent may direct that the contraband be returned to the owner.