A recent report has found that whilst processes for searching music festival patrons has improved, less than half of police officers who carried out strip searches at music festivals had completed specialist music festival training.
The report by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (‘LECC') reviewed 359 police records from 83 general searches and 77 strip searches at 5 music festivals held between 2021 and 2022.
Whilst it ultimately found that police officers have clear training and processes for searching music festival patrons, Acting Chief Commissioner, Anina Johnson highlighted that training and policies alone are not enough to change conduct.
“It is critical that new processes are effectively communicated to all police officers and reinforced with proper supervision on the ground.” said Johnson.
