The Howard League for Penal Reform has condemned the use of force to strip-search children in Huntercombe prison, Henley-on-Thames.
In a report published earlier this year, following an inquiry by Lord Carlile, the charity revealed that all children in prison were required to submit to a full strip-search on arrival and officers had the power to strip-search a child under restraint, without the child’s consent.
HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Anne Owers, in a report published today expresses concern that force was being used on children who did not agree to be strip-searched.
The report suggests at least 15 children are routinely strip-searched in reception at Huntercombe prison every day.
Inspectors noted that a high proportion of child protection referrals at the prison arose out of the use of control and restraint, and some from the forcible strip-searching of children.
Howard League Director Frances Crook said: ‘The use of physical force to strip-search children is abhorrent and an abuse of power, particularly as it is being used against children who have suffered physical and sexual abuse in the past.
‘We are calling for an end to the use of strip-searching for children in prison and believe that physical force should never be used to secure compliance.
‘The use of force on children sends out entirely the wrong message, effectively endorsing the misconception that violence is an acceptable way to behave.’
HM Chief Inspector of Prisons also found that young people were spending too much time locked in their cells.
Time in the fresh air was not a part of the core day and children were not getting a minimum of one hour outside activity or recreation per day to which they were entitled.
Frances Crook added: ‘The Howard League for Penal Reform is appalled about the lack of exercise and daylight available to children in prison.
‘Research by the Howard League for Penal Reform found that children in custody rarely felt fresh air, sunshine and rain.
‘The Carlile Inquiry team spoke to one young man at Huntercombe prison who said he had not been out in the fresh air for nine months.
‘This lack of exercise and fresh air contributed towards frustration and depression and could trigger conflict among young people, placing prisoners, staff and the public at risk.’