Five Sue City of Milwaukee for Illegal Strip Searches

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Five men are suing the city of Milwaukee over strip searches that led to criminal charges against four officers.

Two federal lawsuits were filed Wednesday against the city, police chief and several officers. The suits seek unspecified damages.

The men allege officers probed their rectal and genital areas without probable cause and that officers claimed they were looking for drugs. Two plaintiffs say no drugs were found, but they were still arrested.

In Wisconsin, police officers are prohibited from doing any cavity searches. Such searches can be performed only by a doctor, physician's assistant or registered nurse.

One officer has been convicted of conducting illegal strip searches. Charges are pending against the other three.

Messages left Thursday with the Milwaukee city attorney and the police department weren't immediately returned.