Police: Children
2026-05-12 · Home Office · 403 · Official question
Question
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will consider the potential merits of requiring police officers to treat all young people who claim to be under 18 as such unless there is clear evidence to the contrary.
Answer
Strip search is one of the most intrusive powers available to the police. There will be times when it is necessary to use such powers, to prevent and detect crime, protect officers or the public. The Government is clear that they must be exercised fairly,...