Legal Question in Discrimination Law in Utah
Female arrest
Is it legal to arrest a female and pat her down if there is no other female person or officer present?
Asked on 12/12/02, 5:59 am
1 Answer from Attorneys
Alvin Lundgren
Alvin R. Lundgren, L.C.
Re: Female arrest
It is legal to arrest anyone of either sex if the police have evidence that they were involved in a crime. It is legal to pat anyone down at the time of arrest. However, it is generally advisable when possible to have a female officer pat down a female suspect - but there is no law to that effect. The purpose of the patdown is so the arresting officer(s) can be assured the suspect does not have weapons concealed on them.
Answered on 12/12/02, 9:48 am