Two cops fired after 'humiliating' strip search of schoolgirl, 15, who was on her period
"Someone walked into the school, where I was supposed to feel safe, took me away from the people who were supposed to protect me and stripped me naked, while on my period," a statement released by Child Q's solicitor said.
Two police officers have been dismissed after they were involved in the strip-search of a Black teenager at her school.
A panel found that the search in Hackney, London, was “disproportionate, inappropriate and unnecessary.” The girl, known as Child Q, was on her period at the time and left feeling humiliatied, the misconduct hearing concluded.
"Someone walked into the school, where I was supposed to feel safe, took me away from the people who were supposed to protect me and stripped me naked, while on my period," a statement released by Child Q's solicitor said. "I can't go a single day without wanting to scream, shout, cry or just give up. I don't know if I'm going to feel normal again. But I do know this can't happen to anyone, ever again."
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The search on Thursday, December 3, 2020 was a result of her being suspected of carrying cannabis. No drugs were found on her.
Trainee Detective Constable Kristina Linge and PC Rafal Szmydynski were dismissed without notice for gross misconduct. PC Victoria Wray received a final written warning for two years after misconduct was proven.
The hearing did not find that the officers were influenced by Child Q’s race, nor that was she subject to adultification.
The hearing found T/DC Linge and PC Szmydynsk breached standards of professional behaviour in relation to authority, respect and courtesy, orders and instructions, duties and responsibilities and discreditable contact at the level of gross misconduct.
Commander Kevin Southworth apologized for the trauma Child Q suffered in a statement after the hearing concluded.
“The experience of Child Q should never have happened and was truly regrettable," Cdr Southworth said.
“We have sincerely apologised to Child Q since this incident happened. Again, I am deeply sorry to Child Q and her family for the trauma that we caused her, and the damage this incident caused to the trust and confidence Black communities across London have in our officers.
“While the officers involved did not act correctly, we acknowledge there were organisational failings. Training to our officers around strip search and the type of search carried out on Child Q was inadequate, and our oversight of the power was also severely lacking.
“This left officers, often young in service or junior in rank, making difficult decisions in complex situations with little information, support or clear resources to help their decision-making.
“What happened to Child Q was a catalyst for change both for the Met and for policing nationally.
“While we should not have needed an incident such as Child Q to check our approach, it has absolutely led us to improving our processes and significantly reducing the number of these types of searches carried out.
“It’s crucial we get this right to ensure the impact on young people is minimised as far as possible.
“Sadly, we know there are children in London being exploited to carry drugs and weapons for others as well as involved in criminality, so these types of searches have to remain within police powers. The work we have done since Child Q means we now have the right safeguards in place.”
