Black Children Eight Times More Likely to Be Strip Searched by Police, Report Finds

A stark report from the Children's Commissioner has shed light on deeply troubling disparities in policing practices affecting black children in England and Wales. The findings reveal that black children are a staggering eight times more likely to be subjected to strip searches compared to their white counterparts. This statistic, emerging from data in the first half of 2024, is particularly alarming given the overall reduction in child strip searches.

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But there are still far too many strip searches happening.

While the report acknowledges a more than 50% decrease in strip searches over four years, it unequivocally warns that ethnic inequalities remain a significant issue. The data further indicates that black children are nearly five times more likely to face the use of force during stop-and-search encounters. This raises serious questions about the proportionality and necessity of police actions, especially when a significant portion of these encounters, even when force is used, result in no further action.

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Although only 6% of the population of 10-17 year olds in the 2021 census were black, 35% of the children strip searched were of black ethnicity.

From our perspective as a UK-based news outlet, these findings are a critical call to action. The report, authored by Dame Rachel de Souza's office, not only highlights the disproportionate impact on black children but also points to instances of strip searches conducted in public view and without an appropriate adult present, which are unacceptable. The reasons cited for using force, such as a child's 'size or build' for black children versus 'mental health need' for white children, demand urgent scrutiny. We must address these systemic biases to ensure fair and just policing for all children.

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I am particularly concerned about the ethnic disproportionality as to why officers say force was needed: White children are more likely to be described as having a mental health need, while for black children the reason identified is simply their size or build.