Question
Could the Chief Constable outline the outcome of the reported recent review of procedures regarding the strip searching of children?
Answer
Following a review of strip searching of children in custody, from 27 January 2023 additional measures have been taken and assurances put in place.
On 27 January 2023 all Custody Officers were issued with updated directions in the use of powers in respect of strip searching. This stipulates that strip searches of children and young persons must only be done in the presence of a parent, guardian, or an appropriate adult, except in cases of urgency. Officers have been instructed that where a strip search is authorised on a child or young person there must be a detailed rationale recorded of the basis of that authorisation.
Where a Custody Officer determines the search to be urgent to prevent serious harm they must outline the serious harm to be mitigated. In addition, they will record the mitigations considered, and why those were not able to sufficiently mitigate the serious harm risk, for example, by using an increased level of observation until an appropriate adult arrived.
To ensure these directions are consistently applied all new strip searches will be notified to a Chief Inspector, with lead responsibility for Custody matters for the service, who will review each to identify learning, trends and update directions as required.
I propose to provide a written update to the Committee in May. In the interim we will continue to engage with the Board’s Human Rights Advisor on this matter.
Liz Kimmins - Sinn Féin