New figures show that Norfolk police have carried out 172 strip searches on children in Norfolk over the past three years.
Norfolk Constabulary carried out the strip searches on under-18s in custody under stop and search powers in the three years to March, a freedom of information request has revealed.
Strip searching ranges from the removal of, for example, a shirt, to the removal of all clothing. It does not necessarily denote nudity or exposure of intimate body parts.
READ MORE: Extent of Norfolk youth crime reoffending revealed
The Independent Office for Police Conduct made recommendations earlier this year to improve how strip-searching of children is conducted.
This included requiring police forces to make mandatory safeguarding referrals for any child subject to an "exposure of intimate parts" search.
Mark Russell, chief executive of the Children's Society, said: "Strip searches of children are distressing, traumatic, and should be used only as a last resort and always with a trusted adult present.”
He added police dealing with young people should be able to spot signs of harm and connect them to the appropriate services to ensure their safety and support.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel