Police response to Children's Commissioner's report

National Police Chiefs' Council Lead for Stop and Search, Deputy Chief Constable Andy Mariner, said:

“Since the Children’s Commissioner’s first report, policing has made changes to policy about strip searching and has been working closely with the College of Policing to update Authorised Professional Practice (APP) on stop and search, which is currently out for public consultation.

“The updated APP responds directly to several significant reports and investigations that have identified where policing must do better. It takes a child-centred approach, strengthens safeguarding requirements, and places greater emphasis on the quality of the encounter - including communication, de-escalation, and dignity. It also sets clear expectations on the use of force and the use of handcuffs and is simpler and more practical.

“When a strip search of a vulnerable adult or child takes place, an appropriate adult must be present. This valuable mandatory safeguard allows for people to be searched with the protection of oversight in what is a sometimes necessary, but undoubtedly intrusive, power used in police custody.

“While there are positive signs in that the number of strip searches have been falling over time, we continue to work with policing partners, stakeholders and academics to understand and address the disproportionate use of stop and search, which we understand can undermine trust between policing and communities.

“Minimum standards have been set nationally whereby officers should take into account multiple factors in their decision making, and record them, to ensure the fairness and effectiveness of their actions.

“We are committed to increasing transparency around our use of stop and search, including strip search, which is a legitimate and useful policing tool to help us in removing dangerous weapons and drugs from the streets, but we know that when it is used inappropriately, it can damage our relationships with affected communities.”