A report by the Children's Commissioner for England has found that Black children are disproportionately subjected to strip searches by police. The analysis, covering data from 2018 to mid-2022, shows Black children were 7.7 times more likely to be strip-searched than white children.
The research examined over 2,800 strip searches of children conducted under stop and search powers. It found that more than half of all child strip searches did not result in any further action. The report also highlighted that a significant proportion of these searches were conducted without an appropriate adult present, as required by law.
In response to the findings, the Children's Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, stated the figures were "deeply concerning" and called for urgent reform. The report recommends stricter safeguards, better data collection, and mandatory oversight to protect children's welfare during police encounters.
The Metropolitan Police, which conducted a high number of the searches, has acknowledged the disparity. A spokesperson said the force is reviewing its practices and is committed to ensuring searches are conducted respectfully and with proper justification.
