The Children’s Commissioner for England expressed concern on Monday August 8 at the extent of the use by London police of strip searches of minors. She reported about 650 cases in two years, mostly in black teenagers between the ages of 10 and 17. POver 95% were boys. In 23% of cases, the search took place without the presence of a third adult, as required by law (except in emergencies).
After the turmoil created by the full search inflicted in 2020 on a 15-year-old black teenager, the “Children’s Commissioner” Rachel de Souza, responsible for defending children’s rights, asked Scotland Yard for statistics on this subject. More than half of those 650 searches resulted in no prosecution, leading the children’s commissioner to believe they may not be either. “justified nor necessary in all cases”.
Rachel de Souza said to herself “deeply shocked” by the number of children who are subject “every year to this intrusive and traumatic practice”. In response, London police said they “progressed rapidly in his work” so that “Children who are subject to these intrusive practices are treated appropriately and respectfully.”