Valencia County, NM

In 2006, a notice was sent to Valencia County requesting that it immediately cease its policy of conducting strip searches of all incoming pre-trial detainees. A class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of anyone who had been subjected to a strip search. The lawsuit contended the strip searches were unconstitutional and conducted on people booked into the jail on minor charges or by mistake. The class claimed the "categorical and indiscriminate practice" violates both the US and the New Mexico Constitutions. Valencia County stated it would not comply. The class reached an $8.5 million settlement with Santa Fe County and Management & Training Corporation in a class action lawsuit that condemned this procedure. (Feb-03-07) [NEWS BULLETIN: STRIP SEARCH SETTLEMENT]