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In 2020, a 15-year-old black girl, referred to as Child Q, was subjected to a strip search by police at her school in Hackney, East London. The incident occurred after a school staff member suspected the girl of possessing cannabis. The deputy safeguarding manager at the school claimed that Child Q “smelt strongly of cannabis” and appeared to be under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident. Despite these suspicions, no drugs were found during the search.
Metropolitan Police officers Det Con Kristina Linge, PC Victoria Wray, and PC Rafal Szmydynski are currently facing allegations of gross misconduct for their actions during the strip search. It was revealed during a hearing in South-East London that the officers failed to follow proper protocols, such as having an appropriate adult present and obtaining authorization at a sergeant level before conducting the search. The panel also heard that Child Q felt “demeaned” and “physically violated” by the search.
The deputy safeguarding manager, who was responsible for calling the police, stated that she believed Child Q had cannabis on her based on the strong smell she detected. She expressed concern for the safety of the students at the school, especially as they were taking mock exams on the day of the incident. Despite the allegations of gross misconduct, the officers deny any wrongdoing and claim they were following protocol.
During the strip search, it was revealed that Child Q was menstruating, a detail that she had reportedly shared with the officers. This intimate examination, which exposed Child Q’s private parts, has raised questions about the handling of the situation by the police officers. If found guilty of gross misconduct, the officers could face dismissal from the force. The hearing to determine the outcome of the case is ongoing
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