NYC settles jail strip-search lawsuit for $33M
Plaintiffs in the lawsuit were strip-searched at Rikers Island, above, and other city jails. (March 2009) Credit: Newsday File/Ken Sawchuk
New York City has settled a class-action lawsuit over jail strip searches for $33 million.
The suit was filed on behalf of people arrested on misdemeanor
drug and weapons charges. They were strip-searched at Rikers Island and other city jails. Two plaintiffs said they were forced to undergo gynecological exams.
Under the agreement reached last week, class members can receive between $1,800 and $2,900 each, depending on how many people respond.
The New York City Law department said Monday that the settlement
is the final step in a lengthy process. It said Correction Department procedures were modified in 2007.
The case included people arrested, but not convicted, between
July 15, 1999 and Oct. 4 2007. The court has already ruled that the
practice violated the prisoners’ constitutional rights.
'They really have it down to a science' With Long Island home prices at or near record levels, some LIers are turning to modular homes as an alternative. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed and Newsday business reporter Jonathan LaMantia have the details.
'They really have it down to a science' With Long Island home prices at or near record levels, some LIers are turning to modular homes as an alternative. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed and Newsday business reporter Jonathan LaMantia have the details.
