Which search type is considered the most invasive?

A body cavity search is considered the most invasive type of search because it involves the examination of the internal areas of the body, including the rectum and vagina, to detect concealed contraband or evidence. This type of search is highly intrusive both physically and mentally, as it breaches the body's private spaces. Due to its nature, body cavity searches are generally conducted under strict legal guidelines and require a significant level of justification, often necessitating probable cause or a warrant. This search type is performed by qualified medical personnel to ensure the safety and dignity of the individual being searched, highlighting its level of invasiveness compared to other search methods.

Frisk searches, strip searches, and clothing searches are less invasive than body cavity searches. A frisk search involves a pat-down of the exterior clothing to detect weapons or other items. A strip search requires the removal of clothing to inspect for contraband concealed on the body; however, it does not involve entering the body. A clothing search is focused solely on examining the clothing itself, which is the least invasive of these options. Each of these methods respects more bodily autonomy and has a clearer demarcation of what is considered acceptable in terms of privacy and personal space compared to a body cavity search.