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| NH Corrections Employee Sues Over Strip-Search |
| By The Daily Democrat |
| Published: 10/03/2005 |
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A N.H. Department of Corrections employee who was strip-searched earlier this month as part of an investigation regarding contraband coming into the state prison filed a lawsuit last week against the state claiming his rights were violated by the "invasive" search. More than 50 members of the State Employees Association held a protest outside the Department of Corrections' administrative offices on Wednesday to show support for Hal McAlister, a social worker at the men's state prison, and to call for a change in leadership at the department. McAlister said he was shocked to find a state trooper in his office at the prison on Sept. 15 for the purpose of conducting a strip-search for contraband. He has retained Concord attorney Chuck Douglas, who said he will be filing a lawsuit today in Merrimack County Superior Court. "What separates America from the rest of the world is supposed to be respect for the dignity and personal privacy of each of us," Douglas said surround by union members. "There is nothing more humiliating than to be told if you like your job you should strip, take all of your clothes off, bend over and submit to a visual cavity search." Corrections spokesman Jeff Lyons could not comment directly on the case seeing as the state police are continuing with a criminal investigation regarding the incoming contraband. In a written release, Lyons did say, "The department was advised the employee volunteered to be searched during his interview with the state police." Douglas disagrees. The attorney and former congressman added his client was not made aware he could have a union representative present, nor was he given his Miranda warning. McAlister said it is his understanding an investigation of illegal contraband coming into the prison was launched after a conversation of two inmates speaking in "code" was overheard. |
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