A recent report leaked to the Cable has shed light on the troubling trend of disproportionate strip searches of Black individuals by Avon and Somerset Police. The report reveals that Black children and adults are subjected to full strip searches almost 25 times more frequently than their white counterparts.
Desmond Brown, founder of Growing Futures, expressed concern over the lack of progress in addressing the issue of racial profiling by law enforcement. He highlighted the fact that Black individuals, particularly young boys, continue to be disproportionately targeted by police, perpetuating a cycle of trauma and injustice.
The report also raised serious concerns about the conduct of strip searches, noting instances where clear grounds for the search were lacking. This lack of transparency and oversight has resulted in traumatic experiences for individuals, especially children, who have been subjected to these intrusive searches.
Additionally, the report identified certain officers as “super users” of stop and search powers, with some individuals accounting for a significant portion of searches on Black people. This pattern of repeated stops and searches, particularly on children, underscores the need for greater accountability and oversight within the police force.
The findings of the report have prompted discussions within the police force regarding the development of a new stop-and-search policy. However, questions remain about the lack of disciplinary action against officers responsible for the disproportionate targeting of Black individuals.
Overall, the report paints a disturbing picture of racial disproportionality in policing practices, particularly regarding strip searches of Black children. The continued targeting of marginalized communities highlights the urgent need for systemic change and accountability within law enforcement agencies to ensure the protection and well-being of all individuals.