Winner 1979

Strip and Search

WMAQ-TV

Strip and Search, a Unit 5 Investigative Report, earns a Peabody Award for WMAQ-TV. The Chicago Police Department routinely strip-searched women brought in on charges no more serious than routine traffic violations. Victims of this practice told of the humiliating experiences they endured. This disturbing documentary led to new departmental restrictions as well as legislation establishing more stringent guidelines.