People v. Salaz

This interlocutory appeal1 requires us to decide whether jailers may conduct a second search of an inmate’s clothes without a warrant when they learn that an initial inventory search may have failed to uncover contraband hidden in the clothing. We hold that a warrantless. search under these circumstances is reasonable and reverse the order of the trial court.

I

For our statement of the facts, we rely upon the reporter’s transcript of the suppression hearings held August 13 and September 25, 1997, as well as the trial court’s ruling and minute orders.

Shortly after 4:00 a.m. on March 8, 1997,…