Jail Supervisor Threatened Inmates With Release Of Nude Videos: Report

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Staff at a San Francisco jail are being accused of subjecting inmates to unlawful and humiliating strip searches, according to a report by KTVU.

The San Francisco Sheriff's Department said it was aware of the allegation and denied that a mass strip search happened. The department also said it was investigating the matter, and although it could not discuss specific details, "personnel action was taken."

"The conduct described is deeply concerning and does not reflect the policies, procedures, or professional standards we require of our staff," the department said in a statement. "Every complaint raised within our facilities is taken seriously, and we remain committed to ensuring that all individuals in our care are treated with dignity, respect, and in full accordance with our policies and procedures."

The strip search occurred on May 22 at the San Francisco County Jail, according to the report.

More than a dozen women placed in the jail's B-Pod were subjected to a strip search, according to the report, which cites a legal claim filed by an attorney on Thursday. In California, conducting strip searches without prior written authorization, advance notice, probable cause or privacy is illegal.

In this case, deputies conducting the searches activated their body cameras, and a supervising sergeant told the women that their nude videos could be posted online, according to the report.

Many of the women were left "emotionally devastated" afterward, according to the report.

Read more from KTVU.