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More Violations at Cook County Jail
Produced by Rob Wildeboer on Friday, August 01, 2008

A federal judge has found more constitutional violations at Cook County Jail. [pdf] This comes just two weeks after federal investigators released a laundry list of different civil rights violations there.

When Quentin Bullock was found not guilty of robbery in a Cook County Courtroom, he didn't leave triumphantly through the front doors. Before being released, he had to go back into the jail while his paperwork was processed. Bullock says that meant a final strip search in a hallway full of other naked prisoners.

BULLOCK: Then after you have all of your clothes in front of you, you're told to turn around and squat and when you squat you part your cheeks, open your cheeks.

A federal judge ruled that when someone has been found innocent, and is being released, there's no reason to search them. Attorneys hope to collect damages on behalf of people who have had to go through this process even though, for all intents and purposes they're no longer inmates. A spokesman for Sheriff Tom Dart says they disagree with the judge's decision and plan to fight it.

I'm Robert Wildeboer, Chicago Public Radio.

Joe, Pilsen // Friday, August 01, 2008 @ 8:54 AM

Judge Bucklo's ruling that a search of an inmate after he has been found not guilty is unconstitutional misses the point. The Constitution provides due process prior to and after a criminal conviction. One is not convicted when a Police Officer determine's there is probable cause to arrest. They are provided process. Similarly, when a judge or jury finds that a person is not guilty, the inmate must go through a process to be released. Perhaps another example will help illustrate the point. When one returns to the U.S. on an international flight, people are not free to leave the airplane the second it lands. There is a process which involves remaining seated until the plane is taxied. People exit the plane in an orderly manner and proceed to customs where they are subjected to questions and searches. Process ensures scrutiny and scrutiny is part of the process for both inmates yet to be released or for passengers on a flight.