2. SAFETY, SECURITY AND DIGNITY FOR ALL to be searched need not necessarily mean the visit has to be called off entirely. Instead the visiting arrangement could be amended so that, for example, non-contact visits are set up, so there is no possibility of visitors and prisoners exchanging prohibited items. 62 Safeguards and search protocols for particular groups, such as women, children or persons with disabilities, must also be applied for visitors. Rule 60(2) of the Rules reiterates that body cavity searches should be avoided and should not be carried out on children. 2 Avoiding unnecessary searches 66 63 If visitors are reminded of the possible sanctions and restrictions they face, they may be deterred from attempting to smuggle in prohibited items. Prison authorities should clearly explain what items visitors are allowed to carry on their bodies during visits and what items they are not allowed to give to prisoners. Sanctions for bringing prohibited items should also be clearly explained. This can be done by displaying visible signs at the entrance to the visiting area, and by providing a verbal explanation before the search commences. All visitors should be given the option to handover any prohibited items before the search commences. 64 As with searches of prisoners, staff should carefully consider whether carrying out a search on a visitor has a legal basis and is necessary and proportionate. For instance, if the visit is to be a non-contact one, there would be no opportunity for the visitor to hand over illegal items and a search may not be warranted. Similarly, if prisoners are searched as a matter of routine following external visits, the rationale for searching both visitor and prisoner is questionable. Conduct of searches 65 Prison staff should clearly explain to visitors the reason why they need to be searched, how the search will be conducted and what will happen if the visitor refuses to give consent for a search. Prison staff should have friendly, helpful attitudes and carefully consider their verbal and physical body language in their interactions with prison visitors. 66 Staff should receive appropriate training in how to deal with prison visitors, bearing in mind that they may be anxious, distressed and fearful. In particular, they should receive training on how to deal with visiting children. 67 The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) recommends putting in place measures “to ensure that the visit context is respectful to the child’s dignity and right to privacy” and urged states to “ensure that security matters and policies on incarcerated parents take into account the rights of affected children”.136 Visitor search areas 68 Visitor search areas should be designed and located in such a way that they protect the dignity and privacy of the person being searched, and provide safeguards against ill‑treatment by staff. Searches of visiting professionals 69 Searches may be necessary not only for those visiting family and friends in prison, but also for service providers and visiting professionals, including lawyers. Searches are particularly necessary if there is a suspicion that these visitors are smuggling contraband items to prisoners, or colluding in escape attempts or other actions that may compromise the security of the prison and the safety of those within the facility. 70 Prison monitors and inspectors might also be subject to a security check but, due to their specific mandate and role, search procedures should be minimal and the confidentiality of their documentation must be respected. Ideally, monitors should have prior security clearance to a level appropriate to their role, voiding the need for detailed searches to be carried out. 71 If there is a well-founded suspicion that a legal representative is engaged in bringing a prisoner prohibited items, prison authorities have the right to search that person in accordance with the principles of legality, necessity and proportionality. However, prisoners must be able to communicate freely with their lawyer, without interception or censorship. 136. Children of Incarcerated Parents, Committee on the Rights of the Child, op. cit., note 44, paras. 38 and 39. Guidance document on the Nelson Mandela Rules