A review of PACE powers
This report shines a light on the complex system of police powers, and limited safeguards, behind the Child Q strip search case, and many others. It highlights the ethnic disparities in the use of search powers, and their traumatic impact, especially on children and vulnerable people. It suggests a range of potential strategic and technical changes, including a new focus on safeguarding.
“Child Q told us that she needs to know that what happened to her can never happen again. Our response must not be limited to individual accountability, nor minor policy tweaks.
Many people are unaware that police strip searches of children or vulnerable people without an appropriate adult are often entirely within the rules. Appropriate adults are currently required in quite limited circumstances.
The Government should act immediately to address the Owens judgment from 2021, which contrary to longstanding rules, gives police a new strip search power to touch people’s body orifices, such as the vulva, urethra or anus. We then need a full review of the underlying complex of powers and safeguards. Followed by a new, stronger, and simpler framework which will better protect police officers and the public – especially children and vulnerable people.”
Panel discussion: The harms posed to children by stop and search and strip searching.
Association of Youth Justice, 19th October 2022
Responses
Saqib Deshmukh
"This is a timely and needed review. Given the focus on stop and search and in particular strip searching of children, and the case of Child Q, it's important that we review the powers in the different codes. The whole breaking down and the examination of the PACE codes is illuminating and helpful."
Professor Michael Zander KC
"The report is excellent. A major contribution to debate on this difficult topic".
Sergeant Chris Bentley
“An excellent report, fair and balanced to the difficult position officers are placed when trying to interpret the codes in an operational setting.”