Child Q strip-search officer admits failings

PC Victoria Wray, a Metropolitan Police officer, admitted to significant failings during the strip-search of a 15-year-old black schoolgirl, known as Child Q, in December 2020. The search, conducted at the school, was prompted by a false suspicion of cannabis possession. Wray stated she believed she was following orders from senior officers and expressed regret for the incident, which involved the girl removing her clothing while menstruating. She acknowledged that many individuals previously stopped by her were from black or Asian backgrounds, leading to questions about potential racial bias in her actions. Wray asserted that her decisions were based on factual circumstances rather than stereotypes.

She insisted that the search should not have taken place and identified several missed opportunities for better communication with the girl's teachers and family. The misconduct panel continues to hear evidence as Wray and two colleagues face allegations of gross misconduct. The incident has sparked broader discussions about police conduct and racial profiling in the UK.