City Settles Strip-Search Law Suit for $33 Million

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 of the plaintiffs said they were subjected to forced gynecological exams.

Under the agreement, 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, reached last week, 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.
 

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