Palpation and search of persons, control of personal effects, inspection of a vehicle
Verified 19 August 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)
On what occasion can a security check be carried out? Personal searches, security pat-downs, personal effects checks and vehicle inspections can be carried out in several contexts (for example, identity checks, police custody, access to a ERP: titleContent or a big event). The applicable rules differ depending on the circumstances justifying such measures. We present you the information to know.
Safety palpation is an external search, above clothing, for objects dangerous to the person who holds them or to others (example: a cutter).
A safety palpation can take place in several contexts.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
In the context of police custody
Only persons held in police custody for committing or attempting to commit an offense crime or a offense may be subjected to a safety palpation.
It is also necessary that:
- The offense for which the person is placed custody just took place
- Or the person in custody has been found in possession of an object or has traces (clues) that suggest that he or she participated in the commission of a crime or misdemeanor.
This palpation may take place without the agreement from the police custody.
It must be carried out by a police or gendarmerie officer of the same sex as the person subjected to a pat-down.
During an identity check
During a identity check, a police or gendarmerie officer may carry out a security pat-down if this operation appears necessary to:
- Guarantee his safety or the safety of another person
- Fighting against the organized crime or against the money laundering.
When circumstances permit, the safety palpation should be performed away from the public eye.
At an event of more than 300 people
A person who wishes to access a place in which a event of more than 300 people (example: sporting or cultural event) may be subjected to a safety palpation.
This palpation can take 2 forms:
- Tapping over clothes
- Or an inspection using a body scanner.
It shall be carried out by a member of the public order department of the event approved by the CNAPS: titleContent, 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 carry out a security pat-down.
The authority in charge of palpation must be of the same sex as the person being checked.
The express agreement of the person is mandatory.
However, if the person does not want to submit to a security pat down, access to the event may be denied.
In the event of a threat to public security
In the event of special circumstances relating to serious threats to public security (e.g. in the event of a terrorist threat), the following officers may carry out a security pat-down:
- Police and gendarmerie officers
- Security agents of the SNCF: titleContent
- Security agents of the RATP: titleContent
- Municipal police officer assigned by the mayor of the commune.
The prefect of the department (or the prefect of police in Paris) notes by order these particular circumstances. The order shall be communicated to the prosecutor of the Republic who is geographically competent.
The prefect sets the duration and determines the places or categories of places in which the checks can be made (for example, a shopping center).
The express agreement of the person is mandatory.
If the person accepts the palpation, it must be done by a person of the same sex.
If the person does not wish to submit to the palpation, access to the perimeter set by the prefect may be refused.
FYI
Since March 30, 2026, SNCF and RATP security officers may conduct security searches, even in the absence of a prefectural order.
Security pat-downs by an SNCF or RATP officer may take place at railway stations, stations, stops and transport vehicles.
In order to make such palpations, the officer must justify the fact that there are several elements that suggest that the person being palpated possesses an object dangerous to the safety of persons.
Please note
If a offense these agents may also intervene in the immediate surroundings stations, stations, etc.
The express agreement of the person is mandatory.
If the person accepts the palpation, it must be done by a person of the same sex.
If the person does not wish to submit to the palpation, access to the perimeter set by the prefect may be refused.
Inside or at the entrance of a prison
A person (other than an inmate) who wishes to enter a penitentiary or who is in the prison may be subjected to a security pat-down.
This palpation can only take place if there are serious reasons to believe that this person is about to commit a offense with the aim of harming the security of the prison (example: 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 palpation 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 excavation, also called body search, is intended to search for objects or clues which make it possible to prove that a person has offense.
This search involves a complete undressing. However, there must be no physical contact between the person responsible for this type of control and the person being searched.
A full search may occur during or after a police investigation incarceration of the person.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
During an investigation
Full search is possible in 3 situations:
- Where a person is placed in custody, because it is suspected of having committed or attempted to commit an offense crime or a flagrant offense
- As part of a preliminary investigation
- On letter rogatory.
FYI
When the search is conducted in the context of a preliminary inquiry or a letter rogatory, it is considered as a kind of search. The agreement of the person searched is therefore mandatory.
Full search must be essential to the investigation.
It is possible only if the safety palpation 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 searched, in a closed and withdrawn room.
If the person refuses the search, the OPJ must notify the public prosecutor or the investigating judge.
During incarceration
When a person is incarcerated, he or she may be subjected to a full search in one of the following situations:
- After a walk, a walk or a workshop outing
- When the inmate has been released from prison without the supervision of a prison officer (for example, during a temporary absence or a medical appointment)
- If there are any indications that he has committed a offense
- When the inmate's behavior suggests that there is a risk to the safety of persons or the maintenance of prison order (for example, when dangerous or prohibited products enter the prison)
- In case of risk of escape.
Please note
The head of the prison may also order a full search and systematic of a detained person for 3 months. Its decision must be justified by public policy requirements or by constraints linked to the prison system.
The full search is carried out by a prison supervisor of the same sex than the person being searched.
It takes place only 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 prison.
Search in the body
General scenario
The search of a person's body is possible only in the context of a custody, after one 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 his body (vagina, rectum, etc.).
Only a doctor can conduct a search inside the person's body.
Customs control
A customs officer may decide to search the body of a person suspected of transporting narcotic drugs.
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 permission to have the examination conducted.
The judge must then appoint a doctor.
If the person refuses to submit to the medical examination decided by the judge, a penalty of 1 year in prison and €3,750 a fine is provided for.
Visual inspection and search in a public place
In a public place, visual inspections and searches can be organized.
However, the applicable rules depend on the context in which these procedures are envisaged.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
General scenario
Security guards approved by the Commission for the approval and control of CNAPS: titleContent, the security guards of the SNCF: titleContent and those of the RATP: titleContent may carry out visual inspection and baggage search.
To proceed with a search, they must obtain the consent of the baggage owner.
If the owner refuses, the agent can 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.
Please note
During a pat-down or search, SNCF or RATP agents who find that the baggage owner has a dangerous item (other than a weapon) may retain it if the owner consents. If they find an offense (e.g. street selling), they may take his goods from him for confiscation by the competent court.
Event of more than 300 people
During a event with more than 300 people, a private security officer of the CNAPS: titleContent, under the control of a judicial police officer (OPJ)may carry out a visual inspection and/or a baggage search.
Please note
If a municipal police officer is assigned by the mayor of the municipality, he may also carry out a visual inspection and/or a baggage search.
The search must be conducted by an officer of the same sex as the baggage owner. It can only take place if the owner has given its consent.
However, if the owner does not consent to the search, access to the event may be denied.
During an identity check
During a identity check, visual inspection and search of a person's personal belongings can be carried out in 2 situations:
In the event of a check relating to the investigation of an infringement
The public prosecutor may determine places (e.g. public transport, airport) where identity checks, visual inspections and baggage searches may be carried out in order to investigate and prosecute any of the following offenses:
- Acts of terrorism
- Carrying or transporting a weapon without authorization
- Carrying or transporting explosive materials
- Theft
- Recel
- Drug trafficking.
In this context, the judicial police officer (OPJ) may visually inspect or search baggage, for 24 hours. This period is renewable once, for the same period.
The visual inspection or search must take place in the presence of the baggage owner. It may be held for the duration of the inspection or search.
In the event of the discovery of an offense or if the owner of the baggage so requests, the OPJ shall draw up a report indicating the location, 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.
In the case of controls related to the fight against organized crime and money laundering
As part of a control related to the fight against organized crime and money laundering, one OPJ: titleContentor under its responsibility, a APJ: titleContent or a APJA: titleContent may inspect a person's baggage and personal effects.
This inspection may only take place in the presence of the baggage owner or a person designated by the authorities.
The owner can only be held for the time strictly necessary for the inspection of his personal effects.
In case of discovery of a offense or if the person concerned so requests, a report shall be drawn up and given to him. It shall also be transmitted to the public prosecutor.
Terrorist threat
During an event or at locations that could be targeted by an act of terrorism, visual inspections or baggage searches may be organized.
These procedures shall take place within a geographical area defined by prefectural decree.
They are carried out by a judicial police officer or a judicial police officer.
Please note
If a municipal police officer is assigned by the mayor of the municipality, he may also carry out such inspections or searches.
The baggage search cannot take place without consent of its owner.
However, if he refuses the search, access to the place or event is forbidden.
It is immediately driven outside the perimeter set by the prefectural decree.
Visual inspection and search of schools
The head of the school may carry out (or cause to be carried out) a visual inspection of a pupil's purse if he has found a violation of the rules and regulations of the school.
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 is 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 an offense is discovered or if the pupil so requests, the OPJ shall draw up a report indicating the location, date and time of the start and end of the visual inspection or search.
A copy of the report shall be given to the owner and another copy shall be forwarded to the public prosecutor.
Visual inspection and search at work
The opening of an employee's locker can be carried out only in the cases foreseen by the rules and regulations of 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 given his consent.
It may require the presence of a witness.
For example, a staff representative.
If the employee refuses, the employer can call a judicial police officer (OPJ) to search his personal belongings.
Visual inspection and search by an SNCF or RATP officer
SNCF and RATP internal security officers may carry out a visual inspection of baggage and, with the consent of the owner, a search.
During these checks, if these officers find that the baggage owner has a dangerous object (other than a weapon), they can keep it if the owner consents. In this case, SNCF or RATP agents must give him a receipt.
Within 2 days of the delivery of this receipt, the object must be made available to its owner or one of his relatives, in a place to which he can access by public transport.
Please note
The confiscation of an object can only take place in stations, stations, stops and transport vehicles.
Search aboard a boat
For access to a boat and on board, a visual inspection of the luggage may be carried out, and with the agreement of the owner, their search.
In general, the search of a vehicle that is traveling, parked on the public highway or in the vicinity of an airport can take place in several contexts (example: during a identity check or in case of terrorist threat).
When the vehicle is used as a dwelling for its owner, this search is considered a search.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
General scenario
The conditions under which a search of a vehicle may take place differ depending on the circumstances justifying such action.
In each context, specific rules apply.
During an identity check | In the event of a risk of breach of public order | In the event of a risk of terrorist acts | In the event of customs fraud | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Conditions for conducting a search | Possibility to search a vehicle in 2 situations:
| Possibility of searching a vehicle in case of risk to the security of persons and property (example: risk of destruction of property, violence during a demonstration) | Possibility to search a vehicle whose owner wishes to enter a place for which the prefect (or the prefect of police of Paris) has set a perimeter of protection due to a risk of terrorist act | Possibility of searching a vehicle, especially when there are indications that the driver has committed customs fraud (e.g. smuggling of goods) |
Authority competent | and, under its control, judicial police officer | and, under his control, judicial police officer | and, under his responsibility, judicial police officer | Customs Officer |
Owner's agreement | Not required (but the presence of the driver, the owner of the vehicle or a person designated by OPJ is mandatory) | Mandatory (unless instructed by public prosecutor) | Mandatory. However, in case of refusal, access to the perimeter is prohibited. | Not required. However, in the event of refusal, customs agents 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 required for the search | The time strictly necessary for the search |
Vehicle used as dwelling
The search of a residential vehicle (e.g. a caravan) must be carried out as part of the search by one judicial police officer (OPJ) in the presence of the owner (or, if he is not present, one of his relatives or 2 witnesses).
It may thus take place:
- In case of flagrant offense, without the consent of the owner
- During a preliminary investigation, with his written consent
- With a letter rogatory, with his written consent.
FYI
If the owner is the subject of a preliminary investigation for one crime or a offense punished by more than 5 years' imprisonment (example: murder, violence), Judge of Liberties and Detention (JLD) and the public prosecutor may authorize a search of the vehicle without the owner's consent.
The search of the residential vehicle cannot begin before 6 am and after 9 pm.
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
For information about security checks by a CNAPS agent
Territorial Delegation of the French national council for private security activities (Cnaps)For general information on security controls
For more information on this subject, you can contact Allô Service Public.
Please note: the service does not have access to users' personal files and cannot therefore provide information on their progress.
- Lundi : de 08h30 à 17h30
- Mardi : de 08h30 à 12h15
- Mercredi : de 08h30 à 12h15
- Jeudi : de 08h30 à 17h30
- Vendredi : de 13h00 à 16h15
- Service free
The informants who answer you belong to the Department of Justice.
Body search during investigation (Articles 63-6 to 64)
Body search in detention
Security palpation and baggage search
Safety palpation (Article 434-16)
Security palpation near a prison
Control of personal effects in the event of a terrorist threat
Security palpation and control of personal effects by a municipal officer
Search of the vehicle
Pat-down, personal effects check, vehicle search during a check related to the fight against organized crime
Search of goods, vehicles and persons by customs officers
Port Security
Freedom of the employee
Palpation, search and control of personal belongings by SNCF and RATP officers
Definition of full search
Control of personal effects in schools
Service Public
Service Public
Service Public
Service Public
French national council for private security activities (CNAPS)
Ministry for the Environment