01.57 am, Friday February 24 2012

Strip search of girl justified: Tasmanian police

01:00 AEDT Wed Feb 1 2012
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Police officers who strip-searched a 12-year-old girl in Hobart have received the force's full backing after a review of the incident.

Tasmania Police Deputy Commissioner Scott Tilyard says two searches of the girl during a raid last week were lawful and justified by the behaviour of those in the house.

The incident caused an outcry in Tasmania, where sexual assault services and lawyers condemned it and the state's Commissioner for Children, Aileen Ashford, asked for an explanation.

Ms Ashford was expected to meet Police Minister David O'Byrne late on Tuesday before giving her response on Wednesday.

Deputy Commissioner Tilyard says a review, rather than an internal investigation, was all that was required.

"The facts did not suggest that any of the officers involved may have acted unlawfully or inappropriately," Mr Tilyard said in a statement.

"We will be meeting with the Commissioner for Children, Aileen Ashford, to discuss police practices relating to searches of young people.

"We will also review protocols in other jurisdictions in relation to these matters to determine whether we need to consider additional protocols.

"The officers involved in the search have my full support."

Mr O'Byrne was also satisfied the police actions were appropriate.

"It's important to put this incident in context," he said.

"On the basis of the advice I've received, I'm satisfied that that the police officers involved acted lawfully and were justified in conducting the searches.

"The Tasmanian government is committed to maintaining a proper balance between effective law enforcement and protecting people's human rights."

The girl was searched by two female police officers in the presence of her mother, who told local media her daughter was forced to squat naked and was reduced to tears.

Police said the girl had not been forced to squat or stand completely naked and no cavity searches were performed.

They said the girl did not appear upset at the time of the search.

"I am advised that all reasonable steps were taken to ensure empathy and dignity was afforded to the girl during the two searches," Mr Tilyard said.

 
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