Metropolitan Police officers have been alerted to gross misconduct in connection with the incident, which occurred in December 2020. Known as Child Q, the teenager was investigated by two female officers at a school in east London, with no other adults in attendance and knowing she had a period. “Four police officers have now been informed that they are being investigated for possible breaches of police professional conduct at the level of gross misconduct,” the Independent Police Behavior Office (IOPC) said. However, he added that this “does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings will be instituted”. Police launched their investigation in May last year and are examining whether laws, policies and procedures were followed during the strip strip investigation of the child. “We are investigating allegations that her mother did not have the opportunity to be present during the strip investigation and that there was no other suitable adult,” she added. “We are also examining whether the child’s nationality played a role in the police decision to strip him naked.” If officers are found to have violated police standards, they could be fired. Image: Demonstrations took place outside Stoke Newington Police Station in London over the incident Racism “could have been a factor of influence” Despite the incident that took place almost two years ago, it came to light only in March 2022 after the publication of a safeguard report. The Local Child Protection Practice Inspectorate reported that two female officers conducted the investigation, which revealed the narrow parts of the schoolgirl’s body and forced her to take off her sanitary napkin. He found that strip research should never have been done, it was unjustified and racism “could have been a factor of influence”. Scotland Yard said school staff called police after worrying the girl “smelled strongly of cannabis and may have had drugs”. The force said the child’s bag and clothes were searched by the school and two female officers conducted further investigation, where no drugs were found. The case has sparked outrage from members of the public, with days of protests in Hackney in March. Child Q has since taken legal action against the Metropolitan Police and its school in connection with the incident.
