Zoë Garbett AM responds to Child Q misconduct hearing

Green Party London Assembly Member Zoë Garbett said:  

“A Black child was strip searched while on her period at school, without a parent present. While the dismissal of officers and acknowledgment of harmful practices are steps in the right direction for accountability, we’re being told that race played no part in the violence that Child Q was subjected to.

“The ‘smell of cannabis’ is used time and time again to justify racist and degrading strip searches that disproportionately affect Black Londoners, who are three times more likely to be stopped and searched by the police.

“Not even children can escape this unjust treatment, and the cruelty Child Q was subjected to is not an isolated incident. Last year more than twice as many Black children (365) were strip searched in police custody compared to white children (154). [1]

“Child Q deserved safety and care. Instead, she was subjected to state violence and brutality in her own school, the very place that’s meant to protect young people.

“This must stop. Strip searching children is not safeguarding, it’s abuse. 

“I want to express my full support and solidarity to all Black Londoners, young and old alike, who continue to be disproportionately harassed and harmed by police searches.

“The Mayor must speak out against the strip-searching of children, and the Met must stop this practice."