A black schoolgirl who was strip-searched by Metropolitan Police officers was told she "might be arrested" if she refused to comply, a misconduct panel has heard. The girl, known as Child Q, was strip-searched at her school by officers in Hackney, east London, on 3 December 2020 after her teachers wrongly suspected her of carrying cannabis. This involved the removal of the 15-year-old's clothing including underwear, her bending over and having to expose intimate parts of her body while she was menstruating, the panel has heard. Trainee Det Con Kristina Linge, PC Victoria Wray and PC Rafal Szmydynski, who were all constables at the time, deny gross misconduct over their treatment of the girl. On Thursday, Det Con Linge, who conducted the strip-search alongside PC Wray, told the misconduct panel in south-east London she informed Child Q she "might be arrested" when the girl asked what could happen if she refused to be searched - but claimed there had been "no threat of arrest". Elliot Gold, for the Independent Office for Police Conduct, asked: "Will you accept you were giving Child Q the option of being strip-searched or arrested?" "There were no options given like that," the officer replied. "Do you accept that saying that to a 15-year-old might make them feel frightened?" Mr Gold said. "Yes," Det Con Linge responded. The panel heard that when asked previously what the officer had proposed to do if she found cannabis on Child Q, Det Con Linge had answered: "As per legislation, a juvenile found in possession must be arrested and brought to custody." Det Con Linge previously said Child Q had consented to the search, but admitted under cross-examination by Mr Gold that this was not accurate. Det Con Linge joined the Met Police in 2018 and was still in her probationary period when the search took place. The officer confirmed she had completed equality training, including on unconscious bias and discriminatory stereotypes, and said she was aware of stereotypes relating to black people. She told the hearing she did not "see the relevance" of the fact Child Q was being questioned by two white police officers. Mr Gold asked whether she would accept that "a stereotype of black people is they may more likely be stopped and searched" and if she would accept that they are more likely to be "in receipt of use of force by police". Det Con Linge replied "no" to both questions. The 46-year-old agreed there was no adult present in the room where the search happened who could have offered the child advice, assisted her in communication with police or ensured her rights were respected. Det Con Linge also denied she "did not recognise Child Q as a child" and was, in effect, "treating her as older than she was". The hearing continues. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London onSoundsand follow BBC London onFacebook,XandInstagram. Send your story ideas tohello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk
Strip-search police told girl she may be arrested
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Misconduct Hearing Explores Strip Search of Schoolgirl by Metropolitan Police"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
A misconduct panel has been hearing the case of a black schoolgirl, referred to as Child Q, who was subjected to a strip search by Metropolitan Police officers at her school in Hackney, London, on December 3, 2020. The officers conducted the search after mistakenly suspecting her of carrying cannabis. During the search, the 15-year-old was required to remove her clothing, including her underwear, and expose intimate parts of her body while she was menstruating. Testimonies at the panel revealed that the officers informed Child Q that she 'might be arrested' if she refused to comply, which raised serious concerns about the coercive nature of the search. Trainee Det Con Kristina Linge, PC Victoria Wray, and PC Rafal Szmydynski, who were involved in the incident, are denying allegations of gross misconduct regarding their treatment of the girl, indicating a troubling dynamic in how police interactions with minors are handled, particularly in sensitive situations like this one.
During the proceedings, Det Con Linge explained that her comment about potential arrest was not intended as a threat, but rather as a statement of fact regarding the legal implications of being found in possession of illegal substances. However, her admission that Child Q did not actually consent to the search contradicts earlier claims. The panel has been examining the broader implications of the officers' actions, including a lack of adult supervision during the search and whether the officers recognized Child Q's age and rights adequately. Det Con Linge, who had completed equality training, faced questions about her awareness of racial stereotypes and whether they played a role in her actions. The panel's ongoing discussions highlight significant issues surrounding police conduct, especially in the context of racial dynamics and the treatment of young individuals by law enforcement. The hearing continues as more evidence and testimonies are presented to assess the appropriateness of the officers' actions during this incident.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent report about the strip-search of a black schoolgirl by Metropolitan Police raises significant questions about police conduct, systemic racism, and the treatment of minors in law enforcement. The case, involving "Child Q," highlights the troubling practices within policing, particularly concerning vulnerable individuals.
Allegations of Misconduct
The misconduct panel revealed serious allegations against the officers involved, suggesting that their actions during the strip-search may have amounted to gross misconduct. The officers, particularly Det Con Kristina Linge, allegedly informed the girl that she "might be arrested" if she refused to comply with the search. This indication of coercion is particularly concerning given Child Q's age and the context of the situation. The panel's proceedings reveal a troubling dynamic where a minor is subjected to a humiliating and invasive search under the threat of arrest.
Impact on Community Perception
This incident could exacerbate existing tensions between communities of color and law enforcement, especially in the wake of heightened awareness of racial discrimination in policing. It may create a perception that the police are not safeguarding, but rather threatening vulnerable populations. The fact that the search occurred at a school—a place intended for learning and safety—adds an additional layer of outrage and concern among parents and community members.
Hidden Narratives
The focus on this specific incident might overshadow broader issues within the Metropolitan Police and systemic problems in law enforcement practices. By zeroing in on the actions of a few officers, there is a risk that the public might overlook larger discussions about institutional reforms needed to address systemic biases and injustices.
Comparative Context
When compared to other recent cases of police misconduct, this incident reflects a troubling pattern in how young individuals, particularly from marginalized communities, are treated by law enforcement. Other reports of disproportionate force or invasive searches tend to surface, indicating a need for systemic change rather than isolated accountability.
Potential Societal Consequences
The aftermath of this report could inspire public protests and calls for reform in policing practices, particularly regarding how officers interact with minors. It may also lead to increased scrutiny of police training and accountability mechanisms. Politically, it could impact discussions around law enforcement funding and community safety initiatives, pushing for a more community-centered approach to policing.
Support Base and Target Audience
This report resonates deeply with activists and community groups advocating for racial justice and police reform. It likely seeks to inform and mobilize support amongst those who are concerned with social justice issues and the rights of children, particularly in marginalized communities.
Market and Economic Implications
While this specific incident may not have immediate financial implications for stock markets or specific companies, it could influence public sentiment towards policing and safety, potentially affecting sectors such as private security and law enforcement training organizations. Companies involved in community relations and social justice initiatives might see a rise in interest and investment.
Global Relevance
The themes of this report echo global conversations about policing and systemic racism, particularly in countries grappling with similar issues. It highlights the urgent need for international dialogue on human rights and the treatment of vulnerable populations by law enforcement.
Use of AI in Reporting
It is plausible that AI tools were used in the drafting or dissemination of this report, particularly in the analysis of public sentiment around the incident. AI models may guide the narrative by emphasizing emotional and impactful aspects of the story, possibly steering public perception towards outrage and calls for accountability.
Overall, the report reflects significant societal issues surrounding policing, systemic racism, and the treatment of youth in law enforcement settings. The reliability of the report is bolstered by the formal proceedings of a misconduct panel, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in police actions.