Fact Check: "Child Q's strip search deemed 'unnecessary' and 'disproportionate' by police panel"
What We Know
In June 2025, a police disciplinary panel found that the strip search of a 15-year-old girl, referred to as Child Q, was "disproportionate, inappropriate and unnecessary." This conclusion came after an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) into the actions of Metropolitan Police officers during the incident, which took place at a school in Hackney, London, in December 2020. The panel determined that the search was humiliating for the child and that the officers involved failed to adhere to proper protocols, including the absence of an appropriate adult during the search and a lack of senior officer authorization (Gross misconduct proven for two Met officers in strip search).
The IOPC's investigation highlighted that the officers breached several standards of professional behavior, including duties and responsibilities, authority, respect, and courtesy (Statement on Child Q misconduct hearing). The panel's findings have raised significant public concern regarding the treatment of minors in police custody and the protocols surrounding such searches.
Analysis
The police panel's decision is backed by a thorough investigation conducted by the IOPC, which presented evidence over a four-week misconduct hearing. The panel's findings were clear: the actions of the officers were not only inappropriate but also failed to protect the rights of a vulnerable child (Gross misconduct proven for two Met officers in strip search).
While the panel did not find evidence of racial bias or adultification in the officers' decisions, the overall treatment of Child Q was deemed unjustifiable. The IOPC's Director, Amanda Rowe, emphasized the long-lasting impact of the incident on the child's wellbeing and acknowledged the public's concern regarding trust in policing (Statement on Child Q misconduct hearing).
The credibility of the IOPC as a source is strong, as it is an independent body tasked with overseeing police conduct in the UK. Their rigorous investigation process and the panel's conclusions reflect a commitment to accountability within law enforcement. However, the lack of findings related to racial bias, despite community concerns, indicates a complex interplay of perceptions and realities in policing practices.
Conclusion
The claim that Child Q's strip search was deemed "unnecessary" and "disproportionate" by a police panel is True. The panel's findings, supported by the IOPC's investigation, confirm that the actions of the officers involved were inappropriate and failed to meet the required standards of care and respect for a minor. This case highlights critical issues in police procedures regarding the treatment of children and the need for systemic changes to ensure their protection.
