New York City

The Legal Aid Society filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of inmates alleging a pattern of excessive force by jail guards. The suit was filed on behalf of nearly 13,000 inmates in 11 city jails. The city does not admit liability under the deal, but has agreed to pay 22 plaintiffs a $2.2 million class action settlement. The class action settlement also requires the city to install hundreds of video cameras in jails and train guards more thoroughly. A new policy statement will also be put into place that bans using force to punish an inmate or more force than is necessary to restrain an inmate, control a situation or protect jailers. (Apr-03-06) [SIGN ON SAN DIEGO]