Child Q Strip-search training 'insufficient'

A Metropolitan police officer testified that training on conducting strip-searches in schools was inadequate. Det Con Kristina Linge, PC Victoria Wray, and PC Rafal Szmydynski face gross misconduct allegations related to the treatment of a 15-year-old girl, known as Child Q, who was strip-searched at her Hackney school in December 2020. PC Rajon Rahman, who was outside the medical room during the search, stated that training on such procedures was covered briefly and lacked depth. Child Q described the experience as leaving her feeling "demeaned" and "physically violated. " The search allegedly occurred without proper authorization, an appropriate adult, or consideration of her age and race.

Protests erupted outside Stoke Newington Police Station in response to her treatment, signaling significant community outrage. Scotland Yard previously apologized for the incident, indicating a need for procedural reforms in police practices regarding minors. The ongoing panel hearings aim to address these serious concerns and evaluate the actions of the involved officers.