The process of dividing up a $3 million settlement for unwarranted strip-searches at the Allegheny County Jail has begun, an attorney for the plaintiffs said Monday.

Anyone who was jailed for a misdemeanor or other minor offense from July 13, 2004, through March 18, 2008, and was strip-searched stands to get an estimated $600 to $900 under the terms of a settlement of a 2006 class action lawsuit in U.S. District Court. Attorney Robert N. Peirce said the settlement between plaintiffs and the county has been approved, and it just remains for the court to approve the final numbers when all claims are in.

"I am pleased that this case has in fact been resolved, that it is going through the proper mechanisms to finalize the settlement, and we are happy to place this matter behind us for the jail to change its protocol" for searching arrested people, said Mr. Peirce.

The lawsuit started with the claim of a Mount Washington man who was jailed in 2006 for failure to pay child support and was then strip searched. A strip search involves the removal of clothing, and the plaintiffs argued that it violates the Fourth Amendment unless the prisoner is arrested for a felony, or there is reason to suspect that they have contraband.

An estimated 12,600 people are believed to qualify for the settlement, and they can request claim forms by calling 1-888-214-2966 or visiting www.alleghenystripsearch.com. The website also tells people how to opt out. Those who do nothing lose their right to sue.

Claims are due March 29.

A hearing on the settlement is set for March 1 at 9:30 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Terrence F. McVerry, in Courtroom 6C of the Federal Courthouse, Downtown. Claimants do not need to attend.

First Published: December 9, 2010, 5:00 a.m.