Story perspectives

Black Children Eight Times More Likely to Face Strip-Searches

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rachel de Souza, England and Wales children’s commissioner, says Black children are nearly eight times more likely to be strip-searched by police than white children.
Data from July 2023 to June 2024 show searches fell since 2020, but racial bias remains.
The report notes Black children are also more likely to face force during searches.
De Souza calls to end the 'adultification' of Black children and to stop unnecessary strip-searches.

History

Historical Context

The 1981 Brixton riots erupted from longstanding racial tensions and police discrimination against Black communities in London. Following the suspicious New Cross fire that killed 13 Black youths, the Metropolitan Police's aggressive "stop-and-search" tactics fueled unrest. The Scarman Report, published on November 25, 1981, highlighted systemic racism and led to reforms, yet disparities persist, as recent findings show Black children are disproportionately targeted by police.

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Story summary

Rachel de Souza, England and Wales children’s commissioner, says Black children are nearly eight times more likely to be strip-searched by police than white children.
Data from July 2023 to June 2024 show searches fell since 2020, but racial bias remains.
The report notes Black children are also more likely to face force during searches.
De Souza calls to end the 'adultification' of Black children and to stop unnecessary strip-searches.

1 / 2