The UK Children's Commissioner Monday cited data to allege that black children across England and Wales were four times more likely to be strip-searched.
Seeking a higher threshold for such strip searches, Commissioner Rachel de Souza said the disproportionate involvement of black minors was “a critical concern."
Invasive strip searches are a highly traumatic and humiliating police procedure. The practice not only violates personal dignity but also inflicts lasting psychological harm, particularly on young people. Addressing societal issues like poverty and inequality would be far more effective in reducing crime than these controversial and racially skewed policing tactics.
While acknowledging racial disparities in policing outcomes, it's important to recognize that these issues are complex and not necessarily indicative of systemic racism within UK police forces. Top officials are involved in addressing disproportionalities, seeking to refine policies and practices. This reflects a broader societal effort to overcome historical biases.