Palpation and search of persons, bag checking, vehicle inspection
Verified 20 March 2025 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
On what occasions can a security check be made? Personal searches, security pat-downs, personal effects checks and vehicle inspections may occur in several contexts (e.g. identity check, police custody, access to a ERPERP : Institution receiving from the public or a major event). The applicable rules differ depending on the circumstances justifying such measures. We present you with the information you need to know.
Security pat-downs are searches of clothing for objects that are dangerous to the person holding them or to others (for example, a cutter).
A security pat-down can occur in several settings.
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In police custody
Only those taken into custody for committing or attempting to commit a crime crime or a offense may be subjected to a security pat-down.
It is also necessary that:
- The offense for which the person is placed in police custody has just taken place
- Or the detainee has been found in possession of an object or shows signs (clues) suggesting that he has participated in the commission of a crime or offense.
This palpation may take place without the agreement of him in custody.
It must be carried out by a police or gendarmerie officer of the same sex as the person being pat-down.
During an identity check
During a identity check, a police or gendarme officer may carry out a security pat-down when it appears necessary to ensure his or her safety or the safety of another person.
When circumstances permit, the safety pat-down shall be conducted out of public view.
It must be carried out by an officer of the same sex as the person who is the subject of it.
During an event of more than 300 people
A person who wishes to access a place where a event of more than 300 people (e.g. sporting or cultural event) may be subjected to a security pat-down.
This palpation can take 2 forms:
- Tapping above clothes
- Or an inspection using a body scanner.
It shall be carried out by a safety officer approved by the CNAPSCNAPS : National Council for Private Security Activities, under the control of a judicial police officer (OPJ).
Please note
When a municipal police officer is assigned by the mayor of the commune, he can also conduct a security pat-down.
The authority in charge of the palpation must be of the same sex as the person checked.
The express agreement of the person is obligatory.
However, if the person does not want to undergo a security pat-down, access to the event may be denied.
In the event of a threat to public security
In special circumstances relating to serious threats to public security, a police or gendarmerie officer may conduct a security pat-down (e.g. in the case of a terrorist threat).
The prefect of the department (or the prefect of police in Paris) establishes by decree these particular circumstances.
The prefect sets the duration and determines the places or categories of places where the checks can be carried out (e.g. a shopping center).
Please note
When a municipal police officer is assigned by the mayor of the commune, he can also conduct a security pat-down.
The express agreement of the person is obligatory.
If the person accepts the pat-down, it must be done by a person of the same sex.
If the person does not wish to undergo pat-downs, access to the perimeter set by the prefect may be refused.
Inside or at the entrance of a prison
A person (other than a prisoner) who wishes to enter a penal institution or who is within the prison may be subjected to a security pat-down.
Such palpation may only take place if there are serious reasons to believe that the person is about to commit an offense infringement for the purpose of harming the security of the prison (e.g. possession of drugs).
This security pat-down is carried out by a staff of the prison administration appointed by the head of the prison.
This type of pat-down can take place without the consent of the person undergoing it.
However, it must be carried out by an officer of the same sex as the person who is the subject of it.
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In police custody
Only those taken into custody for committing or attempting to commit a crime crime or a offense may be subjected to a security pat-down.
It is also necessary that:
- The offense for which the person is placed in police custody has just taken place
- Or the detainee has been found in possession of an object or shows signs (clues) suggesting that he has participated in the commission of a crime or offense.
This palpation may take place without the agreement of him in custody.
It must be carried out by a police or gendarmerie officer of the same sex as the person being pat-down.
During an identity check
During a identity check, a police or gendarme officer may carry out a security pat-down when it appears necessary to ensure his or her safety or the safety of another person.
When circumstances permit, the safety pat-down shall be conducted out of public view.
It must be carried out by an officer of the same sex as the person who is the subject of it.
During an event of more than 300 people
A person who wishes to access a place where a event of more than 300 people (e.g. sporting or cultural event) may be subjected to a security pat-down.
This palpation can take 2 forms:
- Tapping above clothes
- Or an inspection using a body scanner.
It shall be carried out by a safety officer approved by the CNAPSCNAPS : National Council for Private Security Activities, under the control of a judicial police officer (OPJ).
Please note
When a municipal police officer is assigned by the mayor of the commune, he can also conduct a security pat-down.
The authority in charge of the palpation must be of the same sex as the person checked.
The express agreement of the person is obligatory.
However, if the person does not want to undergo a security pat-down, access to the event may be denied.
In the event of a threat to public security
In special circumstances relating to serious threats to public security, a police or gendarmerie officer may conduct a security pat-down (e.g. in the case of a terrorist threat).
The prefect of the department (or the prefect of police in Paris) establishes by decree these particular circumstances.
The prefect sets the duration and determines the places or categories of places where the checks can be carried out (e.g. a shopping center).
Please note
When a municipal police officer is assigned by the mayor of the commune, he can also conduct a security pat-down.
The express agreement of the person is obligatory.
If the person accepts the pat-down, it must be done by a person of the same sex.
If the person does not wish to undergo pat-downs, access to the perimeter set by the prefect may be refused.
Inside or at the entrance of a prison
A person (other than a prisoner) who wishes to enter a penal institution or who is within the prison may be subjected to a security pat-down.
Such palpation may only take place if there are serious reasons to believe that the person is about to commit an offense infringement for the purpose of harming the security of the prison (e.g. possession of drugs).
This security pat-down is carried out by a staff of the prison administration appointed by the head of the prison.
This type of pat-down can take place without the consent of the person undergoing it.
However, it must be carried out by an officer of the same sex as the person who is the subject of it.
Full search
Full search, also known as hand searchis intended to seek objects or evidence to prove that a person has committed an offense infringement.
This search involves a complete undressing. However, there must be no physical contact between the person in charge of this type of check and the person searched.
A full search may be conducted during or after a police investigation imprisonment of the person.
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During an investigation
Full search is possible in 3 situations:
- When a person is placed in police custody, because it is suspected of having committed or attempted to commit crime or a flagrant offense
- As part of a preliminary investigation
- On letters rogatory.
FYI
When the search is part of a preliminary inquiry or on a letter rogatory, it is considered to be a kind of search. The agreement of the person searched is therefore obligatory.
A full search must be required for the investigation.
It is possible only if the safety pat-down or the electronic detection means are not sufficient.
The search is carried out by a judicial police officer (OPJ) of the same sex as the person being searched, in a secluded and enclosed space.
If the person refuses the search, the OPJ must notify the public prosecutor or the examining magistrate.
During incarceration
When a person is incarcerated, they may be subjected to a full search in one of the following situations:
- After a visiting room, a walk or a workshop outing
- When the inmate is released from prison without supervision by a prison official (for example, during a temporary absence or medical appointment)
- If there's any evidence that he committed a infringement
- When the behavior of the inmate suggests that there is a risk to the safety of the person or to the maintenance of the order of the prison (for example, when dangerous or prohibited goods enter the prison)
- In case of risk of escape.
Please note
The head of the penitentiary may also order a full search and systematic of a detained person for 3 months. The decision must be justified by public order needs or constraints linked to the prison system.
The full search is carried out by a prison guard of the same sex than the person being searched.
It shall only take place if the searches by palpation or the use of electronic detection means are insufficient.
Each full search shall be indicated in writing in a list available to the head of the penitentiary.
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During an investigation
Full search is possible in 3 situations:
- When a person is placed in police custody, because it is suspected of having committed or attempted to commit crime or a flagrant offense
- As part of a preliminary investigation
- On letters rogatory.
FYI
When the search is part of a preliminary inquiry or on a letter rogatory, it is considered to be a kind of search. The agreement of the person searched is therefore obligatory.
A full search must be required for the investigation.
It is possible only if the safety pat-down or the electronic detection means are not sufficient.
The search is carried out by a judicial police officer (OPJ) of the same sex as the person being searched, in a secluded and enclosed space.
If the person refuses the search, the OPJ must notify the public prosecutor or the examining magistrate.
During incarceration
When a person is incarcerated, they may be subjected to a full search in one of the following situations:
- After a visiting room, a walk or a workshop outing
- When the inmate is released from prison without supervision by a prison official (for example, during a temporary absence or medical appointment)
- If there's any evidence that he committed a infringement
- When the behavior of the inmate suggests that there is a risk to the safety of the person or to the maintenance of the order of the prison (for example, when dangerous or prohibited goods enter the prison)
- In case of risk of escape.
Please note
The head of the penitentiary may also order a full search and systematic of a detained person for 3 months. The decision must be justified by public order needs or constraints linked to the prison system.
The full search is carried out by a prison guard of the same sex than the person being searched.
It shall only take place if the searches by palpation or the use of electronic detection means are insufficient.
Each full search shall be indicated in writing in a list available to the head of the penitentiary.
Searching the body
General case
A search of a person's body is only possible in the context of a police custody, after a crime or a flagrant offense.
It is used when the person in police custody is suspected of carrying or concealing prohibited objects or substances (e.g. mobile phone, drugs) inside the body (vagina, rectum, etc.).
Only a doctor can search the inside of the person's body.
Customs control
A customs officer may order a search of the body of a person suspected of transporting narcotics.
The search is carried out by a doctor.
The person's agreement is necessary.
If the person refuses, the officer must ask the judge for authorization to have the examination carried out.
The judge must then appoint a doctor.
In case of refusal of the person to submit to the medical examination decided by the judge, a penalty of 1 year in prison and €3,750 there is a fine.
Visual inspection and search in a public place
In a public place, visual inspections and searches may be organized.
However, the applicable rules depend on the context in which these procedures are envisaged.
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General case
Security staff approved by the Committee on the CNAPSCNAPS : National Council for Private Security Activities may carry out visual inspection and search of baggage.
To conduct a search, they must obtain the consent of the owner of the baggage.
If the owner refuses, the agent may ask him to leave his luggage at the entrance of the place open to the public. He then calls on a geographically competent police or gendarmerie officer.
Event for more than 300 people
During a event with more than 300 people, a private security officer of the CNAPSCNAPS : National Council for Private Security Activities, under the control of a judicial police officer (OPJ)may carry out a visual inspection and/or a search of luggage.
Please note
If a municipal police officer is assigned by the mayor of the municipality, he can also carry out visual inspection and/or luggage searches.
The search must be carried out by an officer of the same sex as the owner of the baggage. It can only take place if the owner agreed.
However, if the owner does not consent to the search, access to the event may be denied.
Terrorist threat
During an event or in places that could be targeted by an act of terrorism, visual inspections or baggage searches may be organized.
These procedures take place in a geographical area defined by Prefectural Decree.
They are done by a judicial police officer or a judicial police officer.
Please note
If a municipal police officer is assigned by the mayor of the commune, he can also carry out this type of inspection or search.
The baggage search cannot take place without consent of its owner.
However, if he refuses the search, he is not allowed to enter the place or event.
He is immediately taken outside the perimeter fixed by the Prefectural Decree.
Searching for a violation
The public prosecutor may identify locations (e.g. public transportation) where visual inspections and baggage searches may take place to search for and prosecute any of the following offenses:
- Acts of terrorism
- Carrying or transporting a weapon without authorization
- Carrying or transporting explosive substances
- Theft
- Reception
- Drug trafficking.
In this context, the judicial police officer (OPJ) may visually inspect or search baggage, for 24 hours. This period shall be renewable once for the same period.
The visual inspection or search of the baggage shall be carried out in the presence of the owner of the baggage. It may be retained throughout the inspection or search.
In the event of a breach being discovered or if the owner of the baggage so requests, the OPJ shall draw up a report indicating the place, date and time of the start and end of the visual inspection or search.
A copy of the minutes shall be given to the owner and another copy shall be sent to the public prosecutor.
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General case
Security staff approved by the Committee on the CNAPSCNAPS : National Council for Private Security Activities may carry out visual inspection and search of baggage.
To conduct a search, they must obtain the consent of the owner of the baggage.
If the owner refuses, the agent may ask him to leave his luggage at the entrance of the place open to the public. He then calls on a geographically competent police or gendarmerie officer.
Event for more than 300 people
During a event with more than 300 people, a private security officer of the CNAPSCNAPS : National Council for Private Security Activities, under the control of a judicial police officer (OPJ)may carry out a visual inspection and/or a search of luggage.
Please note
If a municipal police officer is assigned by the mayor of the municipality, he can also carry out visual inspection and/or luggage searches.
The search must be carried out by an officer of the same sex as the owner of the baggage. It can only take place if the owner agreed.
However, if the owner does not consent to the search, access to the event may be denied.
Terrorist threat
During an event or in places that could be targeted by an act of terrorism, visual inspections or baggage searches may be organized.
These procedures take place in a geographical area defined by Prefectural Decree.
They are done by a judicial police officer or a judicial police officer.
Please note
If a municipal police officer is assigned by the mayor of the commune, he can also carry out this type of inspection or search.
The baggage search cannot take place without consent of its owner.
However, if he refuses the search, he is not allowed to enter the place or event.
He is immediately taken outside the perimeter fixed by the Prefectural Decree.
Searching for a violation
The public prosecutor may identify locations (e.g. public transportation) where visual inspections and baggage searches may take place to search for and prosecute any of the following offenses:
- Acts of terrorism
- Carrying or transporting a weapon without authorization
- Carrying or transporting explosive substances
- Theft
- Reception
- Drug trafficking.
In this context, the judicial police officer (OPJ) may visually inspect or search baggage, for 24 hours. This period shall be renewable once for the same period.
The visual inspection or search of the baggage shall be carried out in the presence of the owner of the baggage. It may be retained throughout the inspection or search.
In the event of a breach being discovered or if the owner of the baggage so requests, the OPJ shall draw up a report indicating the place, date and time of the start and end of the visual inspection or search.
A copy of the minutes shall be given to the owner and another copy shall be sent to the public prosecutor.
Visual inspection and search of schools
Rules and regulations The head of the school may carry out (or cause to be carried out) a visual inspection of a pupil's bag if he has observed a violation of the school's instructions.
To carry out this inspection, the head of the institution must have obtained the student's agreement.
When authorized by the Public Prosecutor, a judicial police officer (OPJ) can search students' bags, for 24 hours. This period shall be renewable once for the same period.
This measure may be taken in particular for the investigation and prosecution of certain offenses such as:
- Carrying or transporting a weapon without authorization
- Theft
- Drug trafficking.
During the search, the student must be present.
If a violation is discovered or if the student so requests, the OPJ prepares a report indicating the place, date and time of the start and end of the visual inspection or search.
A copy of the minutes shall be given to the owner and another copy shall be forwarded to the public prosecutor.
Visual inspection and search at work
Rules and regulations The opening of an employee's record can be carried out only in the cases provided for by the company.
The employee must have been informed of this opening.
The search of an employee's personal belongings may take place for reasons of collective security (for example, risk of attack) or for reasons related to the search for stolen objects.
The employee must have been notified in advance and have given his agreement.
He may require a witness.
For example, a staff representative.
If the employee refuses, the employer may call a judicial police officer (OPJ) to search his personal belongings.
Search on board a boat
For access to and on board a vessel, baggage may be visually inspected and, with the agreement of the owner, searched.
Generally speaking, the search of a vehicle traveling or parked on public roads can take place in several contexts (for example, in the event of a terrorist threat).
Where the vehicle is used as a dwelling for its owner, the search shall be considered as a search.
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General case
The conditions under which a search of a vehicle may take place differ depending on the circumstances justifying the measure.
In each context, specific rules apply.
During an identity check | Where there is a risk of public order being infringed | When there is a risk of a terrorist act | In the event of customs fraud | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Conditions for conducting a search | Possibility of searching a vehicle when there are indications that its owner has committed a crime crime or a flagrant offense | Possibility of searching a vehicle in case of risk of harm to the security of persons and property (e.g. risk of destruction of property, violence during a demonstration) | Possibility of searching a vehicle whose owner wishes to enter a place for which the prefect (or police prefect of Paris) has set a perimeter of protection due to a risk of an act of terrorism | Possibility of searching a vehicle, particularly when there are indications that the driver has committed customs fraud (e.g. smuggling of goods) |
Competent authority | Judicial Police Officer and, under its control, judicial police officer | Judicial police officer and, under his supervision, judicial police officer | Judicial police officer and, under his responsibility, judicial police officer | Customs officer |
Owner's agreement | Not required | Mandatory (unless instructed by public prosecutor) | Required. However, in the event of refusal, access to the perimeter shall be prohibited. | Not required. However, in the event of refusal, customs officers may use any means to immovable the vehicle |
Duration of the search | The time strictly necessary for the search | 30 minutes during which the driver remains present | The time needed for the search | The time strictly necessary for the search |
Vehicle for dwelling
A search of a residential vehicle (e.g. a caravan) must be carried out as part of the search by a judicial police officer (OPJ) in the presence of the owner (or, if he is not present, one of his relatives or two witnesses).
It can thus take place:
- In case of flagrant offense, without the agreement of the owner
- During a preliminary investigation, with his written consent
- With a letters rogatory, with his written consent.
FYI
If the owner is subject to a preliminary investigation for one crime or a offense punishable by more than 5 years' imprisonment (example: murder, violence), the liberty and detention judge (JLD) and the public prosecutor may authorize a search of the vehicle without the agreement of the owner.
The search of the dwelling vehicle cannot begin front 6 a.m. and after 9 p.m.
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General case
The conditions under which a search of a vehicle may take place differ depending on the circumstances justifying the measure.
In each context, specific rules apply.
During an identity check | Where there is a risk of public order being infringed | When there is a risk of a terrorist act | In the event of customs fraud | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Conditions for conducting a search | Possibility of searching a vehicle when there are indications that its owner has committed a crime crime or a flagrant offense | Possibility of searching a vehicle in case of risk of harm to the security of persons and property (e.g. risk of destruction of property, violence during a demonstration) | Possibility of searching a vehicle whose owner wishes to enter a place for which the prefect (or police prefect of Paris) has set a perimeter of protection due to a risk of an act of terrorism | Possibility of searching a vehicle, particularly when there are indications that the driver has committed customs fraud (e.g. smuggling of goods) |
Competent authority | Judicial Police Officer and, under its control, judicial police officer | Judicial police officer and, under his supervision, judicial police officer | Judicial police officer and, under his responsibility, judicial police officer | Customs officer |
Owner's agreement | Not required | Mandatory (unless instructed by public prosecutor) | Required. However, in the event of refusal, access to the perimeter shall be prohibited. | Not required. However, in the event of refusal, customs officers may use any means to immovable the vehicle |
Duration of the search | The time strictly necessary for the search | 30 minutes during which the driver remains present | The time needed for the search | The time strictly necessary for the search |
Vehicle for dwelling
A search of a residential vehicle (e.g. a caravan) must be carried out as part of the search by a judicial police officer (OPJ) in the presence of the owner (or, if he is not present, one of his relatives or two witnesses).
It can thus take place:
- In case of flagrant offense, without the agreement of the owner
- During a preliminary investigation, with his written consent
- With a letters rogatory, with his written consent.
FYI
If the owner is subject to a preliminary investigation for one crime or a offense punishable by more than 5 years' imprisonment (example: murder, violence), the liberty and detention judge (JLD) and the public prosecutor may authorize a search of the vehicle without the agreement of the owner.
The search of the dwelling vehicle cannot begin front 6 a.m. and after 9 p.m.
Who can help me?
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For information on security checks by a CNAPS agent
Territorial Delegation of the National Council for Private Security Activities (Cnaps)For general information about security controls
Telephone administrative information - Allo Public Service
For more information on this topic, you can contact Allô Service Public.
Attention: the service does not have access to users' personal files and cannot therefore provide information on their status.
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The informants who answer you are from the Department of Justice.
Body search during the investigation (Articles 63-6 to 64)
Body search in detention
Security pat-down and baggage search
Security pat-down (Rule 434-16)
Security pat-down near a prison
Control of personal effects in the event of a terrorist threat
Security pat-down and control of personal belongings by a municipal officer
Vehicle search
Search of goods, vehicles and persons by customs officers
Port security
Employee freedom
Definition of full search
Checking personal effects in schools
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National Council for Private Security Activities (CNAPS)
Ministry of the Environment