$33M Class-Action Suit Settled Against New York City

Two women claim they were forced to submit to OB exams after arrest

By Alicia Cruz

The Black Urban Times

A class-action lawsuit against the City of New York has been settled in favor of the people.
Two women sued the City after they claim they were forced to subject to gynecological exams after being arrested in New York City.

The court agreed ruling that the practices were in clear violation of the prisoners’ constitutional rights.

The $33 Million suit was filed on behalf of persons arrested on misdemeanor drug and/or weapons charges and then forced to submit to strip-searches at Rikers Island and other intake points of location in City jails.

The suit states that plaintiffs who were subjected to such searches and exams are eligible to receive between $1,800 and $2,900 each for their pain and suffering.

Plaintiffs forced to submit to gynecological exams are entitled to $20,000 each for their pain and suffering.

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

In a statement prepared by Nelson, she said, “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."

The suit, which was finalized Monday, includes those arrested, but not convicted, between July 15, 1999 and Oct. 4, 2007.

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