Children's Commissioner data shows 1 in 20 strip-searches of children fails protocols
"The psychological damage to a child who is subjected to a strip-search without an adult present should not be underestimated," says BPS
20 August 2024
New figures gathered by Children's Commissioner shows that police conducted 3,368 child strip-searches from 2018 to mid-2023.
Responding to the report which revealed one in 20 searches had not complied with strict rules Julia Faulconbridge, from the British Psychological Society's Division of Clinical Psychology said:
"It is deeply saddening to read of the growing number of strip-searches which have taken place on children that were uncompliant with codes of practice.
"The psychological damage to a child who is subjected to a strip-search without an adult present should not be underestimated. It has been distressing to hear of examples from adults who still live with the traumatic side effects of their experiences with the police when they were younger.
"Strip-searches should only ever be used as a last resort and if all other options have been thoroughly explored. If they are to be utilised by police, then an appropriate adult must always be present, and officers must act with full regard for a child's dignity.
"Now is the time for additional psychological guidelines to be implemented within the police force, so the potential trauma caused by strip-searches can be fully considered before it is pursued as an option."
Dr Cynthia Pinto, from the Division of Educational and Child Psychology said:
"Following on from the treatment of Child Q and others, it is deeply saddening to read of the high number of strip-searches which have taken place on children including searches that were not compliant with current codes of practice or where there are safeguarding concerns.
"It is particularly disappointing to see that there continues to be disproportionality higher number of children from racialised minority backgrounds, and black children in particular, who were targeted for strip-searches.
"The immediate and long-lasting psychological damage to a child who is subjected to a strip-search needs to be understood.
"Strip-searches should only ever be used as a last resort and only if all other options have been thoroughly explored. If they are to be used, the appropriate procedures including those recommended by the Children's Commissioner and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) should be followed.
"Those undertaking the strip-searches should be aware of any biases in the way they select children for this ordeal and the long-lasting psychological impact of such a traumatic experience."