Police Search Sparks Apology After Schoolgirl Searched Without Adult
Cannabis Smell Sparks Police Search
On Thursday, 3 December 2020, police were called to a school after staff raised concerns about a 15-year-old girl who reportedly smelled strongly of cannabis. Staff had already searched her bag and outer clothing before the officers arrived but found no drugs.
Officers Conduct Search Without Appropriate Adult
Two female officers then searched the girl in the school’s medical room under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. No force was used, and no drugs were found. However, the search was carried out without an appropriate adult present—a serious breach of procedure.
Met Police Apologise After Safeguarding Review
A Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review published on Monday, 14 March, condemned the search and confirmed it should never have happened. Detective Superintendent Dan Rutland of the Met’s Central East Command said:
“We recognise that the findings of the safeguarding review reflect that this incident should never have happened. It is truly regrettable and on behalf of the Met Police I would like to apologise to the child concerned, her family and the wider community.”
Rutland added that officers had been reminded of proper search policies and that the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is still investigating the case.
Complaint Filed and Under Investigation
The girl’s family was given information on how to file a complaint against the Metropolitan Police. A formal complaint was made and referred to the IOPC in May 2021 for a full investigation.
