City of New York Strip Search Class Action Settlements

City of New York Strip Search Class Action Settlement

City of New York Strip Search Class Action SettlementIndividuals who received a strip search at Manhattan Court Division after another search at Rikers Island may qualify to claim a class action payment.City of New York Strip Search Class Action SettlementWeekly NewsletterClass actions settlements delivered to your inbox.Thank you! Check your inbox for a welcome email.Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.William C. GendronEditor in ChiefPublishedSeptember 10, 2026 4:21 PMUpdatedSeptember 10, 2026Join the DiscussionIndividuals held in New York City Department of Correction custody between March 28, 2020, and Feb. 29, 2024, who received a strip search upon arrival at the Manhattan Court Division after they already received a strip search before leaving Rikers Island for court may be eligible to claim a cash payment from a class action settlement.The City of New York, the New York City Department of Correction and Commissioner Louis A. Molina agreed to settle a class action lawsuit. The lawsuit alleged the defendants violated federal and state constitutional rights by requiring individuals in DOC custody to undergo unnecessary strip searches at the Manhattan Court Division without legitimate penological interest or reasonable suspicion.Who can file a strip-search claim?Class members are individuals who were in custody of the New York City DOC between March 28, 2020, and Feb. 29, 2024, who received a strip search upon arrival at the Manhattan Court Division after receiving a strip search before departing Rikers Island for court and who appear on the official class list. There are two class periods:For individuals whom the DOC classified as requiring enhanced security, the class period is March 28, 2020, through Feb. 29, 2024.For all other individuals, the class period is Oct. 1, 2022, through Feb. 29, 2024.How much are settlement payments?Eligible class members who submit a valid claim will receive a pro rata payment from a $28 million fund.