By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Two Metropolitan Police officers, Kristina Linge and Rafal Szmydynski, have been dismissed for gross misconduct following a strip search of a 15-year-old schoolgirl, known as Child Q, suspected of possessing cannabis. The search, conducted in 2020 with no appropriate adult present, was deemed “unnecessary” and “disproportionate” by the misconduct panel. While a third officer received a final written warning for misconduct, the panel did not find that race was a factor in the incident. The police have since apologized and acknowledged organizational failings in their handling of the situation and the traumatic experience for Child Q.
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Child Q: Two Met Police officers sacked over strip search of 15-year-old schoolgirl. The headline itself is a stark reminder of a deeply troubling incident, one that has finally resulted in some measure of accountability.
Child Q’s experience, being strip-searched at school by officers who seemingly disregarded every rule and policy designed to protect her, is nothing short of appalling. The fact that this search, allegedly motivated by the suspicion of drugs which were never found, happened at all, is a major issue. To add insult to injury, it took years for any action to be taken. Even after the details of this incident came to light three years ago, the wheels of justice have turned at a glacial pace.
The way the police have approached this situation is a problem. The language used seems to downplay the severity of what happened, as if it were a simple mistake rather than a deliberate violation of a human being. To strip-search a child, especially in the absence of an appropriate adult, without proper authorization, and without following the correct procedures, is not merely an error; it’s a gross abuse of power. The officers’ actions were disproportionate, inappropriate, and entirely unnecessary, leaving the child feeling humiliated and degraded.
The fact that only two of the officers involved were fired is also concerning. What about the others involved? The lack of immediate consequences and the time it has taken to reach this point, raises questions about the culture within the Metropolitan Police. Five years is far too long for this issue to be addressed. It’s also important to note that there’s a fourth officer involved, who will face a disciplinary meeting, but this is not considered a disciplinary matter in comparison.
Even more concerning is the possibility that these officers might receive severance packages or even be able to find new employment within another police district. This would be a grave injustice. The officers should be held to a higher standard, not afforded leniency. These actions should have been treated like a serious crime and the officers should be prosecuted. The whole issue gives off the impression that if you get away with a serious offense, you’ll be able to move on without any repercussions. This does not work in the interest of the community.
This case also highlights the need for broader reforms. The very fact that a school environment allows children to feel as if they’re losing their basic rights is something that needs to be addressed, and highlights the need for schools to be safe places for children. There are also serious questions around the legislation that governs searches, such as PACE (Police and Criminal Evidence Act). It’s often used as a punitive measure, and in this instance, it certainly was.
The impact on Child Q, and the wider community is undeniable. The case drew outrage, sparking protests and demands for justice. The fact that these officers were in a position of power, entrusted with protecting the public, and instead chose to abuse their authority, is a betrayal of the trust placed in them. The lack of serious punishment sends a clear message about the culture of the police and the importance of community relations, and how seriously these issues are regarded.
The fact that the officers may face no further consequences beyond dismissal is a betrayal of justice. This should not be considered a simple “sack and move on” situation. These officers had senior officers, who should have reported their behavior, so questions about the wider chain of command need to be answered. To think that they will probably be able to continue in their roles elsewhere while the victim has suffered for a long time is just wrong. The victim has been completely let down. The police are there to protect everyone, and this is not being done. The officers have undermined their own profession.
The fact that this happened in a school, where a child is meant to be safe, is another layer of betrayal. The entire situation is a complete breakdown of trust. It is a wake-up call that those in positions of power are not always able to be trusted, and are capable of abuse of power.