Summary
A 15-year-old girl, referred to as Child Q, was strip-searched by police at her school in 2020 when she was suspected of carrying cannabis. No cannabis was found, and the search happened without an appropriate adult present. A misconduct hearing for the officers involved is underway, focusing on whether the search was inappropriate and influenced by racial bias.
Key Facts
- Child Q was strip-searched by police in her school in December 2020.
- The search was conducted while she was on her period and without an appropriate adult.
- No cannabis was found during the search.
- The case is being reviewed by a tribunal in south-east London focusing on police conduct.
- Officers involved deny claims of gross misconduct.
- There are allegations that the officers gave a misleading account of the search.
- The incident led to protests and raised concerns about racial bias, as Child Q is black.
- The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is handling the case.
