MILWAUKEE -- It's potentially the the last chapter of a big controversy.
On Tuesday, Milwaukee's Common Council approved a $5 million settlement for victims of illegal strip searches. The controversy, which first made headlines in 2012, stained The Milwaukee Police Department's reputation and left the city in a lengthy legal battle.
"The police officers who indulged in this activity in an almost organized matter need to face up to what they did," said Alderman Willie Wade. "Us as a body have to make responsible fiscal corporation called the city of Milwaukee."
Investigations revealed some MPD officers forced black men to undergo illegal body cavity searches during arrests and traffic stops. Four officers have since been fired, another's in prison.
The $5 million dollar settlement will be split between the 74 plaintiffs and their attorneys.
The proposed deal now needs the mayor's signature for approval.
