3,000 children strip-searched by police in a year, Home Office figures show

More than 3,000 children were strip-searched by police last year, with a third of them being black, Home Office figures have revealed. 'Deeply concerning' Dame Rachel said the figures were “deeply concerning” and she called for police guidelines to be overhauled so that intimate searches could only be carried out on children in the most “exceptional circumstances”. “We urge the Home Office and police leaders to investigate why so many children are being strip searched and review guidance and training for officers so that vulnerable young people are protected." “The Government should end the power of the police to strip-search children and, in any rare instances where the strip-search of a child is essential, police forces must obey their own rules and ensure an appropriate adult is always present.” A National Police Chiefs Council spokesman said: “Police have an important role in ensuring the safety of young and vulnerable people. “On all but exceptional occasions, such as an immediate risk of harm to the young person, this will involve the presence of an appropriate adult which is catered for under the codes of practice.” A Home Office spokesman said: “Strip search is one of the most intrusive powers available to the police but does also play an important role in their efforts to protect the public, including children.