The Rethinking Strip Searches by NSW Police Report reveals that the number of strip searches in the state jumped to 5483 in 2017-18 from just 277 in 2006-06 – an increase of 1879 per cent.
Samantha Lee, a solicitor with the Redfern Legal Centre, said the sharp rise in strip searches indicates the law is not being applied as it is intended, as a last resort.
“Strip searches are an invasive, humiliating and harmful process, and as such, should be only used in exceptional circumstances when no other alternative is available,” she said.
The report recommends the rule the law be clearer about what, when and how police should conduct a strip search.
“We need greater transparency and accountability regarding these practices,” said Dr Michael Grewcock, one of the co-authors of the report.
Read the full article here (9 News, 22 August 2019)
