JJT
04-29-2004, 08:51 PM
KATU 2 News - Portland, Oregon
www.katu.com
Inmates at Jackson County jail claim improper strip search
April 29, 2004
MEDFORD, ORE. - Several women who were inmates at the Jackson County jail say they were strip searched in view of male prisoners last year as deputies sought a contraband razor blade.
The search was performed on Sept. 20 in a room that has windows visible to male inmates confined to their quarters, said Portland attorney Keith Dubanevich, who represents the group of women.
Dubanevich said male guards looked on as female guards examined the women's genitals and buttocks with a flashlight while requiring them to bend over.
"It was quite humiliating because it was not just a simple pat-down," Dubanevich said.
The county has received notice of the women's intent to sue, said County Counsel Mike Jewett. Dubanevich said he plans to file the case in U.S. District Court within a month.
The razor blade was later found in one of the women's cells, Dubanevich said.
David Fidanque, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union in Oregon, said the search violated federal laws protecting citizens from unreasonable search and seizure and Oregon law prohibiting jailers from subjecting inmates to unnecessary rigor while incarcerated.
"Male inmates could see them, hooting and hollering the whole time," Fidanque said.
Jackson County Sheriff Mike Winters said he ordered the strip search, which is allowed when deputies are looking for contraband, according to operating policies for the jail. Male guards are not allowed to pat down female inmates except under extreme circumstances.
The policy lists areas - including between an inmate's legs - that deputies may search. The policy, however, prohibits intrusive body cavity searches, which must be conducted in a medical facility.
Several of the women who were searched complained to the sheriff's department, and an internal investigation was done, Winters said. He refused to discuss the results while a lawsuit may be pending. "It's not like it's being swept under the carpet," he said. (Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
www.katu.com
Inmates at Jackson County jail claim improper strip search
April 29, 2004
MEDFORD, ORE. - Several women who were inmates at the Jackson County jail say they were strip searched in view of male prisoners last year as deputies sought a contraband razor blade.
The search was performed on Sept. 20 in a room that has windows visible to male inmates confined to their quarters, said Portland attorney Keith Dubanevich, who represents the group of women.
Dubanevich said male guards looked on as female guards examined the women's genitals and buttocks with a flashlight while requiring them to bend over.
"It was quite humiliating because it was not just a simple pat-down," Dubanevich said.
The county has received notice of the women's intent to sue, said County Counsel Mike Jewett. Dubanevich said he plans to file the case in U.S. District Court within a month.
The razor blade was later found in one of the women's cells, Dubanevich said.
David Fidanque, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union in Oregon, said the search violated federal laws protecting citizens from unreasonable search and seizure and Oregon law prohibiting jailers from subjecting inmates to unnecessary rigor while incarcerated.
"Male inmates could see them, hooting and hollering the whole time," Fidanque said.
Jackson County Sheriff Mike Winters said he ordered the strip search, which is allowed when deputies are looking for contraband, according to operating policies for the jail. Male guards are not allowed to pat down female inmates except under extreme circumstances.
The policy lists areas - including between an inmate's legs - that deputies may search. The policy, however, prohibits intrusive body cavity searches, which must be conducted in a medical facility.
Several of the women who were searched complained to the sheriff's department, and an internal investigation was done, Winters said. He refused to discuss the results while a lawsuit may be pending. "It's not like it's being swept under the carpet," he said. (Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)