Strip searches without arrest from 2019 to 2021

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.024189

I note you seek access to the following information:

1. How many 'strip searches' were carried out by your officers in the past three calendar years (2019, 2020, 2021) while the person being searched was not in police custody.

Please list each occasion and the information by:

- sex of person searched
- age of person searched
- ethnicity of person searched
- reason given for the search
- outcome of the search (items found?)
- whether the individual was then arrested - and what for

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.