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Rikers Island Officials Ask Scantily Clad Visitors To Cover Up

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Rikers Island officials are asking scantily clad visitors to cover up with bright green T-shirts.

The city Department of Correction spent $5,000 on 800 extra-extra-large neon shirts. They're washed daily.

The jail dress code prohibits gang symbols, swimwear, and short skirts, among other attire. The policy requires visitors to wear clothing appropriate for a family gathering, including underwear.

The T-shirts aren't just for women. Men with ripped clothes or attire bearing expletives could also be asked to wear them. Jewelry -- with the exception of wedding rings -- are also is discouraged.

The new policy, which was first reported by The Daily News, took effect earlier this year.

Department spokeswoman Sharman Stein says the policy will also help catch visitors trying to sneak in contraband. The T-shirts have no pockets.

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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