City of New York

Alleged violation of constitutional rights through unnecessary strip searches at the Manhattan Court Division after prior strip searches at Rikers Island.

This class action settlement concerns individuals who were in New York City Department of Correction custody between March 28, 2020, and Feb. 29, 2024, and who received a strip search upon arrival at the Manhattan Court Division after already receiving a strip search before leaving Rikers Island for court. The lawsuit alleged that the City of New York and the New York City Department of Correction violated federal and state constitutional rights by requiring unnecessary strip searches without legitimate penological interest or reasonable suspicion. Eligible class members who submit a valid claim will receive a pro rata payment from a $28 million fund. The claim deadline is November 26, 2026.

You may be eligible if you:

• Individuals who were in the custody of the New York City DOC between March 28, 2020, and Feb. 29, 2024.
• Individuals who received a strip search upon arrival at the Manhattan Court Division after receiving a strip search before departing Rikers Island for court.
• Individuals who appear on the official class list.
• For individuals 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.

• Basic contact information
• Dates tied to your purchase or account activity
• Proof of purchase or supporting documents

If you do not have every document, you may still be able to file. Many settlements accept claims without receipts.

• Submit an online claim form or print and complete the PDF claim form from the online portal.
• Mail the completed form to the settlement administrator at P.O. Box 301132, Los Angeles, CA 90030-1132.
• The claim deadline is November 26, 2026.