NYC settles class-action suit over strip searches in city jails for $33 million

NYC settles jail strip-search suit for $33 million

NEW YORK — Two women who claimed they were forced to have gynecological exams and others strip-searched in city jails have settled a class-action lawsuit with the city for $33 million.

The suit was filed on behalf of people arrested on misdemeanor drug and weapons charges and strip-searched at Rikers Island and other jails.

Under the agreement, class members can receive between $1,800 and $2,900 each, depending on how many people respond. The plaintiffs who claimed they were forced into gynecological exams are entitled to $20,000 each for their alleged injury and suffering, according to the decision reached last week and finalized Monday.

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.

Genevieve Nelson, senior counsel of the Special Federal Litigation Division at the New York City Law Department, said the settlement is the final step in a process where Correction Department procedures were modified in 2007.

“The City of New York and its Department of Correction have worked diligently to ensure that both safety and privacy are given high consideration during intake search procedures,” she said in a statement.

A lawyer for the plaintiffs planned a news conference later Monday.