Fact Check: Two Met Police Officers Sacked for Strip Searching a 15-Year-Old Girl
What We Know
In November 2023, it was confirmed that two Metropolitan Police officers, PC Kristina Linge and PC Rafal Szmydynski, were dismissed for gross misconduct following their involvement in the strip search of a 15-year-old girl, known as Child Q, at a school in Hackney, London, in December 2020. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) conducted an investigation that concluded the officers' actions were "disproportionate, inappropriate, and unnecessary," leading to significant humiliation for the child (source-1). The search was initiated after a school staff member reported that the girl "smelt strongly of cannabis," but it was later deemed unjustified, especially given that the girl was on her period and no appropriate adult was present during the search (source-2).
A third officer, PC Victoria Wray, was found guilty of misconduct for her role in the incident and received a final written warning (source-1). The panel overseeing the misconduct hearing emphasized that the officers failed to follow established protocols, including obtaining proper authorization and ensuring the presence of an appropriate adult, which are critical safeguards in such sensitive situations involving minors (source-4).
Analysis
The evidence presented during the misconduct hearing was substantial, with the IOPC's findings being corroborated by testimonies and procedural reviews. The panel concluded that the actions of the officers not only breached police standards of professional behavior but also failed to respect the rights of a vulnerable child (source-1). The decision to strip search Child Q was criticized as being "humiliating and degrading," which aligns with the sentiments expressed by Child Q herself, who stated that the experience left her feeling violated and traumatized (source-2).
The IOPC's investigation highlighted systemic issues within the Metropolitan Police regarding the treatment of minors, particularly Black children, although it did not find evidence that race was a factor in this specific case (source-2). This finding has sparked broader discussions about the need for reform in police practices, especially concerning the safeguarding of children during searches (source-4).
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high, as they include official statements from the IOPC and reputable news outlets that reported on the findings of the misconduct hearing. The IOPC is an independent body responsible for overseeing police conduct, lending credibility to their conclusions (source-1).
Conclusion
The claim that two Metropolitan Police officers were sacked for strip searching a 15-year-old girl is True. The evidence from the IOPC investigation and the subsequent misconduct hearing clearly indicates that the officers acted inappropriately and violated established protocols, resulting in their dismissal for gross misconduct. The case has raised significant concerns about police practices regarding minors and has prompted calls for reform to ensure better safeguarding measures are in place.
Sources
- Gross misconduct proven for two Met officers in strip search of Child Q ... IOPC
- Child Q unsure she will 'feel normal again' after strip-search - BBC BBC
- Child Q: Two Met Police officers sacked over strip search of 15-year ... Sky News
- Two Met officers sacked over 'humiliating' strip search of 15 ... Yahoo News
