What criteria must be met to authorize a search for contraband at a mine?

To authorize a search for contraband at a mine, the presence of evidence indicating a credible threat is essential. This requirement ensures that searches are conducted based on reasonable suspicion rather than arbitrary or capricious assumptions. A credible threat implies that there is specific information or intelligence suggesting that contraband may be present, which justifies the intrusion into individuals' privacy and the disruption of operations.

The other options may seem relevant at first glance, but they do not satisfy the fundamental legal requirement for such searches. For instance, while obtaining consent from workers might seem important for cooperative relations, it is not a legal prerequisite for conducting a search aimed at preventing illegal activities that could threaten safety or compliance. The presence of supervisors, while ensuring oversight, does not itself establish the necessary grounds for initiating a search. Lastly, the documentation of reports regarding illegal activities can aid in establishing a pattern or trend, but without credible evidence present at the time an officer seeks to perform the search, it cannot legally justify that action. Thus, the focus on credible threats as a primary criterion helps balance the need for safety and security with the rights of employees.