LEWIS AND CLARK
COUNTY AND THE SHERIFF'S
OFFICE.IT CLAIMS MANY PEOPLE
ARRESTED FOR MISDEMEANORS OR
TRAFFIC OFFENSES HAVE BEEN
SUBJECTED TO ILLEGAL STRIP
SEARCHES IN THE COUNTY DETENTION
CENTER.THE COMPLAINT IN THE
CASE WAS SENT TO M-T-N BY ONE OF
THE ATTORNEYS FILING THE
SUIT.IT CLAIMS DETENTION
CENTER EMPLOYEES
REGULARLY REQUIRE PEOPLE TO
REMOVE THEIR CLOTHES AND SUBMIT
TO AN
INSPECTION.STATE LAW SAYS
PEOPLE DETAINED FOR MISDEMEANORS
AND
TRAFFIC OFFENSES MAY ONLY BE
STRIP SEARCHED IF THERE IS
REASONABLE
SUSPICION THEY ARE CONCEALING A
WEAPON, CONTRABAND OR
EVIDENCE OF A CRIME.THE
LAWSUIT NAMES 39 PLAINTIFFS, AND
SUGGESTS UP TO 25-HUNDRED OTHERS
MAY HAVE BEEN SEARCHED
WITHOUT REASONABLE
SUSPICION.PLAINTIFFS ARE
ASKING FOR
AN INJUNCTION TO STOP ROUTINE
STRIP SEARCHES, AND FOR
COMPENSATORY AND
PUNITIVE DAMAGES.COUNTY
ATTORNEY LEO GALLAGHER SAID
THE CASE HAS BEEN TURNED OVER TO
THE MONTANA ASSOCIATION OF
COUNTIES, AND THAT HE EXPECTS
THEM TO PREPARE A DEFENSE.###




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