A disciplinary hearing has concluded that two officers from the Metropolitan Police engaged in gross misconduct when they strip searched a 15-year-old black girl at a school in Hackney, mistakenly believing she might be carrying cannabis. The investigation found several allegations against the officers—trainee Detective Constable Kristina Linge and PC Rafal Szmydynski—while PC Victoria Wray was found to have committed a lesser degree of misconduct. All three officers are part of the Central East Command Unit that serves Hackney and Tower Hamlets.
The hearing did not find evidence that race influenced the treatment of the teenager, identified as Child Q. However, the commander of the unit acknowledged that although the officers acted incorrectly, systemic failings within the organization contributed to the incident. Commander Kevin Southworth expressed deep regret for the distress caused to Child Q and her family, emphasizing the negative impact this case has had on trust within Black communities in London. He highlighted the inadequacies in training officers for strip searches and the lack of organizational oversight, leaving junior officers to make challenging decisions in uncertain circumstances.
The troubling incident occurred on December 3, 2020, when police responded to school staff concerns regarding the girl allegedly smelling of cannabis. Amanda Rowe from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) indicated that the officers failed to protect a child in a vulnerable situation and unnecessarily subjected her to a strip search. This incident has raised significant public concern and has been detrimental to the public’s confidence in policing. Rowe criticized the officers for their disproportionate response, noting that they did not follow established policies designed to protect children in such situations. The Met Police stated that they are now working on improving their procedures and implementing protective measures to prevent similar events in the future.
5 Comments
Fuerza
It's a difficult situation, but let's remember police officers are dealing with serious issues daily. Mistakes happen.
Ongania
Child Q will be traumatized for life. The Met Police has failed her and the entire community.
Manolo Noriega
An 'investigation' that conveniently finds no racial bias? I don't believe it. They need a thorough review and reforms in their policies!
Fuerza
It's a disgrace for a girl of the age to be found with drugs. The officers were doing their job, looking for drugs at school.
Manolo Noriega
Systemic failings? That's just an excuse. This was blatant discrimination. The officers should be facing criminal charges.