POLICE conducted nearly 70 strip searches of children in Dorset in the past five years-though the force said they were only conducted in 'exceptional circumstances'.

Figures published by the office of the Children’s Commissioner for England show Dorset Police conducted 67 strip searches of people under the age of 18. 

By comparison, the Met Police conducted 891 child strip searches of children in the same period between 2018 and mid-2022. 

Sarah Wayman, of the Children’s Society, said: “Officers should always have in mind how this process can be harmful and distressing to young people. 

Bournemouth Echo: 67 strip searches were carried out by Dorset Police67 strip searches were carried out by Dorset Police (Image: Richard Crease)

“It’s vital that guidance and training for officers is reviewed to ensure that when police officers come into contact with children, their first priority is about identifying the risks of exploitation and working with other services to offer protection and help.” 

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne, of Dorset Police, said it is “vital” that each police interaction is handled with sensitivity and in line with policy, adding he welcomes the report and that it is “important” the force learns from those instances where “we have not got that balance right”. 

He added: “Unfortunately, there are circumstances where it may be necessary to search children, for example where a weapon is involved, or drugs are suspected to be concealed in a way that presents a physical risk of harm to the child and others. The purpose of a search is to prevent unnecessary arrests.” 

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Mr Lyne explained authority must be obtained from a senior officer before strip searches of children are strip searched. 

Children would be taken to a private location out of public view and, where possible, an appropriate adult would be requested to be present to look after the child’s wellbeing. 

“We recognise the concern people may have surrounding strip searches of children, but we would like to reassure that they are only carried out in exceptional circumstances where it is necessary to protect the safety of the child involved and the wider public,” Mr Lyne added. 

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Any child subject to a strip search should be accompanied by an appropriate adult unless there is an urgent risk of serious harm, or where the child specifically requests otherwise and the appropriate adult agrees.”