Met officers face misconduct hearing over strip-search of boy, 15
Three Metropolitan Police officers are facing disciplinary action after a child was allegedly strip-searched in his home without an appropriate adult there.The force said the incident took place on 2 March, 2022, where officers arrested and searched a 15-year-old boy, known as Child A, on suspicion of robbery at knife point. It is alleged that Child A was taken home, where his bedroom was searched and a strip-search took place before he was placed into custody.PC Jordan McGovern, PC Kieron Grant and Acting Sgt Jake Simpson are facing allegations amounting to gross misconduct, relating to duties and responsibilities; authority, respect and courtesy and orders and instructions.
After searching the room, Acting Sgt Simpson called his supervisor for authorisation to conduct a further search of the boy. That was granted provided an appropriate adult was present.According to the Met, it is alleged that Acting Sgt Simpson did not tell his colleagues the search was allowed only if an appropriate adult was present. No arrangements were made for one to be there. The force said there was no reasonable basis to conduct a strip-search before he was in custody. It added: "It is also alleged that none of the officers made any record of the strip-search of Child A, nor did they ensure that a record of the strip-search had been made by any other person."It is also claimed by the police that none of the officers made a record of the strip-search.The hearing will be held at Sutton Police Station from 13 to 24 October.
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