Penal Code section 4021

(a)

Whenever any female prisoner or prisoners are confined in any local detention facility in the state there shall be an appropriately trained female custodial person assigned, available, and accessible for the supervision of the female prisoners.

(b)

It shall be unlawful for any officer, station officer, jailer, or custodial personnel to search the person of any prisoner of the opposite sex, or to enter into the room or cell occupied by any prisoner of the opposite sex, except in the company of an employee of the same sex as the prisoner. Except as provided herein, the provisions of this subdivision shall not be applied to discriminate against any employee by prohibiting appointment or work assignment on the basis of the sex of the employee.
As used in this subdivision “station officer” means an unarmed civilian employee who assists a peace officer in the processing of persons who have been arrested and who performs duties including, but not limited to, booking and fingerprinting and maintaining custody and control of persons who have been arrested.
As used in this subdivision, “employee” means a deputy sheriff, correctional officer, custodial officer, medical staff person or designated civilian employee whose duties may include, but are not limited to, maintaining custody and control of persons who have been arrested or sentenced, or both.

Source: Section 4021, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=4021.­ (accessed May 19, 2025).

Last Updated

May 12, 2025

§ 4021’s source at ca​.gov