@FAQ - section 7 - I would suggest, based on the OP's first and subsequent post, that the officers concerned don't appear to have had much regards for section 7. I've only quoted the parts that stand out
7.4 In taking a decision to search a child or a young person, a constable must treat the need to safeguard and promote the well-being of that child or young person as a primary consideration. [7] Where a constable believes it to be more harmful to a child or young person to carry out a search than not, then the search should not
proceed and other measures to safeguard them should be considered.
7.5 Constables should ensure that the principles of fairness, integrity and respect apply equally to children and young people, as they do to adults.
7.9 Where a constable believes a search is necessary, they should be aware of the inherent power imbalance that exists between a constable and a child or young person and how this may affect their interactions with them. It should not be assumed, for example, that because a child or young person is compliant and/or silent, that they are fully comfortable with a search being carried out. Equally, if a child or young person appears to be acting unreasonably, the root of such behaviour may be in fear or confusion.
7.16 Even where there is no history of abuse, children and young people have reported that being searched by someone who is a stranger to them is both uncomfortable and intrusive.
7.17 Where a child or young person is becoming distressed during a search, consideration should be given to discontinuing the search or pausing it until a responsible adult can be present (where this is practicable and the child or young person wishes this to happen).
7.18 For the purposes of this Code, a "responsible adult" is defined as someone over the age of 18, with responsibility for the child or young person. This might include, for example, a parent or carer, an older sibling or a key worker. Their role is to support the child or young person and help them understand what is happening. Constables should note that a 'responsible adult' is distinct from an 'appropriate adult', a term which has its own meaning. [9]
7.19 When considering a search of a child or young person, a constable should attempt to minimise any embarrassment they might feel. This might include, for example, carrying out a search discreetly and away from a peer group. Where practicable, a constable should involve the child/young person in considering where the search should take place. A constable should not assume that places considered suitable for adults will be where a child or a young person would feel most at ease.
7.21 A constable should explain at each stage of a search of a child or young person what they are doing and why. Where a child requests a brief pause in the search (for example, to compose themselves) then this should be accommodated, where practicable. The search should be completed as swiftly as possible.
7.23 Where a search takes place and no item is found and the child or young person has provided their name, address and date of birth, a constable should clearly explain how the information will be stored, the length of time it will be kept and the purposes for which it may be used.
7.24 Following completion of a search, a child or a young person should be supplied with a receipt, which should include age appropriate information about stop and search, and details of how to make a complaint if the child or young person feels that they have been treated unfairly.
7.25 Constables should be aware that children and young people can find it difficult to access complaints processes, which are often designed by adults for adults. Where a complaint is received by the Police from or on behalf of a child or young person, consideration should be given to how best to respond in an age appropriate, timely and child-centred manner.
7.26 Where a search has proved to be negative, constables should consider a child or young person's individual needs and circumstances, when deciding whether or not to make their parents (or other care-givers) aware of the fact that they have been stopped and searched.
7.27 Factors to be considered by constables may include: the age of the child; the circumstances in which the stop and search took place; any views expressed by the child or young person and any perceived on-going risk to the child or young person and/or others.
7.28 Where a child or a young person has expressed a view about whether their parents (or other care-giver) should be informed of a stop and search, and a decision is taken which appears to contradict that view, then constables should clearly explain to the child or young person the reasons for their decision.
7.29 Constables should be aware that some children and young people may be placed at increased risk by their parents being notified of a search. This would include, for example, a child or young person living in a household where there is a history of domestic abuse.
7.30 More generally, constables should consider whether informing a child or a young person's parents (or care-giver) might inadvertently suggest that their child has been involved in wrong-doing, when they have not.
7.32 Carrying out stop and search in a respectful and age appropriate manner is likely to minimise the damage it can cause to children and young people's perceptions of the Police. [10] Constables should therefore be aware of the potential to build positive relationships with children and young people in their local community by following the steps outlined in this Code.