Experts sound alarm after heart patient’s ordeal
searches of children did not find anything of concern reveals that the practice should be urgently reviewed.
“Children are in a vulnerable and often distressed state following arrest and searching them inevitably exacerbates this. Removing any child’s clothes and visually examining their bodies will be traumatic but potentially even more traumatic for children who more regularly come into contact with the police. They tend to be our most vulnerable and victimised children.”
Concern at the number of young people being searched was echoed by Angela Morgan, a social work expert and former head of children’s charity Includem.
She said it should not have taken a freedom of information request to obtain the information, and it should be published routinely by the force, adding: “As well as the fundamental expectation that public bodies are open and accountable, I would expect Police Scotland to recognise the significance of searching on vulnerable young people and be keen to seek independent support and expertise on child protection. Unfortunately, The case of an Asian heart patient suspected of being a suicide bomber shows the harm of racial profiling, experts have warned.
The Sunday Post last week revealed the stress and anxiety suffered by a 28-year-old man after a battery pack needed for a heart-pump implant was mistaken for a bomb.
He was quizzed for 20 minutes by police on one occasion and suffered abuse from the public while using public transport, according to a report.
The report noted: “It is possible he was treated with suspicion due to an element of racial profiling.”
The Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights said it was doubtful former US President Dick Cheney – who had the same device fitted – or “any other white person” would have been treated with “such suspicion”. But added: “The medical community have seen that racial profiling could be an issue and are looking at how this could be challenged.”
Nasar Meer, of Edinburgh University, said: “There is in very broad terms a real public policy emphasis on surveillance which disproportionately impacts on minorities.”
Police Scotland’s Gerry Mclean, said: “It would be wrong to suggest that Police Scotland stops individuals without reason.”