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| Women inmates claim improper strip search |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 05/03/2004 |
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Several women who were at inmates at the Jackson County (Ore.) 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 officers looked on as female officers 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. 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 officers are not allowed to pat down female inmates except under extreme circumstances. |
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