Searches

Searches. The following policy shall be enforced to assist in deterring theft of residents', visitors’ and employees' personal property; and property belonging to the State of Mississippi. A. The SVNHs may conduct unannounced searches, for illegal drugs, alcohol, or stolen property, of items and vehicles owned by the State of Mississippi, employees, residents, and/or visitors on SVNH premises at any time without reasonable suspicion. This includes desks, lockers, etc. All individuals are expected to cooperate during such searches. B. Searches of employees, residents, and /or visitors and their personal property may be conducted on random basis or when there is reasonable suspicion to believe that such searches will be limited to requesting the removal of hats, shoes, coats, or other outerwear, purses and other unsecured personal possessions for search purposes, asking that individual(s) turn their pockets, and observing what is in plain sight. Purses, briefcases, bags and any other parcels may also be completely searched on a random basis or when there is reasonable suspicion to believe that the individual(s) may have non-permitted contraband or stolen items in their possession. C. Searches of vehicles maybe conducted when on a random basis or when there is reasonable suspicion that illegal drugs, alcohol, or stolen goods are in the vehicle. D. An employee's consent to this search is required as a condition of employment and the employee's refusal to consent may result in disciplinary action including termination even for a first refusal. A resident's consent to this search is a condition for admittance and continued residency. A resident's refusal to consent will result in discharge even for a first refusal. A visitor's refusal to consent may result in visitor's being barred from the facility.