North Wales Police strip search boy, 15, prompting IPCC investigation

A police watchdog is investigating complaints by a father whose 15-year-old son was strip searched by officers from North Wales Police.

The boy, along with four other youths, was detained in Llandudno, Conwy, in May 2012 under the Misuse of Drugs Act. No further action was taken.

The father complained about the boy's treatment and the force investigated.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has agreed to look into the force's reviews into the case.

North Wales Police said it will assist the IPCC in its investigation.

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.

'Concerns addressed'

"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."

Four of the youths, including the boy, were taken to a local police station where they were detained and a strip search took place on 29 May 2012.

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 decided to investigate the complaints and review the two investigations by the force.