Strip searches by the MPS from 2017 to 2021
Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.023976
I note you seek access to the following information:
The number of people subject to strip searches in the last 5 years broken down by age and gender?
Specifically, how many children, broken down by age group if possible (for example, 10-12, 13-15, 16-17) were subjected to strip searches in this time?
The numbers of people subject to strip search in the last 5 years by ethnicity?
And specifically the number of children subject to strip search in this time broken down by ethnicity? (If possible please break down these figures by age group as well (for example, 10-12, 13-15, 16-17)).
I am requesting this information from all UK police forces.
Clarification:
Could you let me know whether you refer to searches:
• In a custody suite following detention being authorised (‘Strip searches’ and ‘intimate search’ are Custody terms) or
• Elsewhere ‘Further searches’ and ‘intimate parts exposed’ are in this dataset.”
Clarification:
Thanks for the note to clarify the request, yes if the statistics you have are only for people strip searched in custody then please could the figures for this request be for all people strip searched while in custody.
Out of interest is it possible to get figures for people strip searched but who were not arrested?
Decision
I have disclosed the location information to you. Please find enclosed a spreadsheet in which the located information has been provided.
CONTEXT
What happened to Child Q was a truly regrettable incident and we accept the findings of the Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review published in March that it should never have happened.
We have apologised publicly to the child, her family and the wider community. We do understand how much concern this incident has caused, and how distressed the girl has been.
We have been working hard to listen to what our communities and partners are telling us about this incident and haven’t waited to look at how we might improve our practices. 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.