Child Q and child strip searching from 2016 to 2021

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.024144

I note you seek access to the following information:

I would like to know how many people have been subject to "More thorough, Intimate Parts Exposed" searches, the type of search not carried out in custody in the last five years (2016-2021) by age group and gender.

The number of people subject to "More thorough, Intimate Parts Exposed" searches (not in custody) in the last five years (2016-2021) by ethnicity.

The number of children (under 18) subject to "More thorough, Intimate Parts Exposed" searches (not in custody) in the last five years (2016-2021) by ethnicity (broken down by age group, eg 10-12...)

The number of children (under 18) subject to "More thorough, Intimate Parts Exposed" searches (not in custody) in the last five years (2016-2021) by gender (broken down by age group, (eg 10-12...)

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

The Metropolitan Police is progressing at pace work to ensure children subject to intrusive searches are dealt with appropriately and respectfully. We recognise the significant impact such searches can have.

We have already made changes and continue to work hard to balance the policing need for this type of search with the considerable impact it can have on young people.

We have ensured our officers and staff have a refreshed understanding of the policy for conducting a ‘further search’, particularly around the requirement for an appropriate adult to be present. We have also given officers advice around dealing with schools, ensuring that children are treated as children and considering safeguarding for those under 18.

More widely, we have reviewed the policy for ‘further searches’ for those aged under 18 and made changes. This is to assure ourselves the policy is appropriate and takes account of the safeguarding review for Child Q, and also that it recognises the fact a child in these circumstances may well be a vulnerable victim of exploitation by others involved in gangs, County Lines and drug dealing.

To ensure we have very clear control over this type of search, we have introduced new measures across the Met. As well as requiring a conversation with a supervisor and the presence of an appropriate adult, an inspector must now give authority before the search takes place to ensure appropriate oversight. A Merlin report must also be submitted, to ensure safeguarding the child is the priority. The Merlin system contains information about a child coming to police attention.
We are also creating a child centric stop and search review panel involving the community and partner agencies. The panel will scrutinise search activity, review body worn video, critically evaluate whether there has been a 'safeguarding first' approach and highlight and raise any identified adultification.