WIREDGOV

The Independent Police Complaints Commissioner (IPCC) is independently investigating complaints made by the father of a 15 year old boy who was strip searched by North Wales Police.

The boy, along with four other youths, was detained and searched by police in Llandudno on 29 May 2012 under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Four of the youths, including the boy, were taken to a local police station where a strip search took place. All four were eventually released without any further action.

The boy’s father complained to North Wales Police about his son’s treatment in July 2012. He subsequently appealed to the IPCC, which directed the force to re-investigate the complaints.

In October 2013, the boy’s father appealed again against the findings of the North Wales Police re-investigation.

In February 2014, the IPCC upheld the appeal for a second time and determined that it should independently investigate the complaints, and review the two investigations undertaken by the force.

IPCC Commissioner Jan Williams said:

"We are examining the use of police powers during the stopping and subsequent detention of the boy, the procedure followed during the strip search, and whether it complied with code C of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act. We are also considering complaints that the boy’s father was not given the opportunity to be present during the strip search, and that no appropriate adult was present.

"It is now over 18 months since this incident occurred and I will ensure that we conduct this investigation as quickly and as thoroughly as possible, to make sure that the concerns are addressed.”