Nearly a hundred children have been strip-searched in the Bristol area since 2020, according to new figures. In information obtained exclusively by BristolLive via a Freedom of Information request, Avon and Somerset Police revealed 86 under 18s were strip-searched between 2020 and 2023.
In that time, a total of 29 children who identified as Black were strip-searched, compared to 38 under 18s who identified as white. A further 13 who identified as “mixed” were subjected to intimate searches.
However, according to the latest Census data from 2021, 5.9 per cent of people in Bristol are from Black ethnic groups and 81.1 per cent are white. Avon and Somerset Police acknowledged the data shows “stark disparities” around the use of this police power, adding it was committed to reducing disproportionality in the use of stop and search and particularly strip-searches.
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Boys in the Bristol area were also much more likely to be strip-searched than girls, with 77 boys being subjected to intimate searches compared to nine girls.
The figures also show that more than half of all strip-searches on under 18s saw nothing being found or no further action being taken. However, the data also shows there has been a decrease on the number of children being strip-searched by officers, from 41 in 2020 to 15 in 2023.
The news comes as data released by the Children’s Commissioner in August showed a child was strip searched more than once a day by police in England and Wales between January 2018 and June 2023, with children as young as eight being subjected to intimate searches.
Avon and Somerset Police’s lead for stop and search Chief Inspector Vicks Hayward Melen said: “As a trauma informed organisation, we don’t refer to this type of search as a ‘strip search’ and instead refer to them as searches involving the exposure of intimate parts (EIP) in line with national legislation and procedure.
“I understand how distressing this type of search is for the person it’s done to, and do not underestimate the impact it can have, which is why we have put in place safeguards around authorities for this type of search to be performed, and renewed the focus on trauma informed training for all officers who use this intrusive power.
“Following our Chief Constable Sarah Crew’s acknowledgment of institutional racism last year, and as part of our commitment to becoming an anti-racist police service, we have done a ‘deep dive’ into our use of stop and search. The data reviewed as part of this highlights disproportionality in the use of stop and search in Avon and Somerset over the past seven years.
“It also revealed stark disparities around our use of EIP searches, revealing that Black people are much more likely to be subject to an EIP search than white people. I know sadly this will come as no surprise to our racially minoritised communities.
“The findings of this report have informed the new stop and search policy we’ve brought in which is bespoke to the communities of Avon and Somerset and which was widely consulted on with our communities and staff. The new policy aims to improve the interactions between officers and the public, give officers the confidence to use their powers legitimately, and to drive down disproportionality.
“If officers suspect illegal items might be being kept under a person’s clothing, they may carry out an EIP search, requiring a person to remove their clothing. There are strict rules around how these searches are carried out, including where they can take place and that an appropriate adult must be present if a child (17 or under) or vulnerable person is being searched. Any EIP search involving a child must be authorised by an inspector to ensure it is appropriate and proportionate.
“We are committed to reducing disproportionality in our use of stop and search especially around EIP searches. Since the beginning of this year, I have personally reviewed every EIP search involving Black males under 35.
“When reviewing, I check the use of the power was proportionate, the grounds reasonable and that the whole interaction was carried out in line with our training. Any opportunities for learning that I identify, I act upon, sharing best practice when relevant.”
Avon and Somerset Police said data provided for 2020 and 2021 has not been through the same level of assurance and that the force could not guarantee its level of accuracy. It said the totals may not match when broken down by ethnicity and gender because there may be more than one person searched on one stop and that, if their ethnicities and/or genders are different, it would alter the totals.