Officials work on policy for body-cavity searches

NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Lawrence County prison officials are working on a body-cavity search policy for all work release and child-care release inmates.
The county prison board discussed the matter Wednesday in an effort to curb an ongoing drug problem at the jail.
Earlier this year inmate, George Crepp Jr., 21, died of a drug overdose. There have also been several arrests, including that of a corrections officer, and charges of those involved in smuggling OxyContin into the jail.
Lawrence County District Attorney Matthew Mangino said the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections permits body-cavity searches if they are done by a physician.
The jail has a nurse on staff but no physician.
Warden Mark Fellows suggested that they could take inmates to Jameson Hospital for those searches.
Mangino said they could make body-cavity searches a part of the work release agreement for inmates.
"I think if we do it on a random basis, it could send a message," the warden said.
Sheriff Robert Clark added that the New Castle Police Department's drug-sniffing dogs might be able to help.