By Ben Kerrigan-
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has issued a series of recommendations aimed at enhancing policing practices surrounding strip searches of children, emphasizing the need to prioritize their safety and wellbeing.
This initiative follows concerns raised by the IOPC regarding inconsistencies in the use of appropriate adults during such procedures.
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Drawing on evidence from multiple investigations involving police searches of children, which often entailed the exposure of intimate parts (EIP), the IOPC has put forth ten nationwide recommendations addressed to key stakeholders including the
Home Office, National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), and the College of Policing.
In September 2023, the IOPC urged the government to undertake a comprehensive review of policing powers related to strip searches of children to bolster safeguarding measures.
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The latest recommendations call for amendments to relevant laws, mandating police forces across England and Wales to make mandatory safeguarding referrals for any child subjected to an EIP search.
Acknowledging the significance of these recommendations, the Home Office has committed to incorporating them into ongoing reforms concerning policing powers surrounding searches of children.
Additionally, the IOPC has called for a thorough review and update of all relevant police guidance and training materials pertaining to EIP searches of children, emphasizing the paramount importance of prioritizing the child’s safety and wellbeing.
In response to concerns over the inconsistent use of appropriate adults during strip searches of children, the NPCC has pledged to collaborate with chief officers to ensure all officers comprehend the legal requirements regarding appropriate adult involvement.
Steve Noonan, Director of the IOPC, underscored the potential traumatic impact of strip searches on minors and emphasized the necessity of prioritizing their wellbeing throughout policing practices.
He highlighted the need for improvements in training, guidance, and a standardized approach across police forces to ensure a child-first approach and mitigate the risk of adultification of children in policing contexts.
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