Content warning: this article discusses graphic content
NSW’s Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) has today begun a five-day hearing into conduct by NSW Police at an underage music festival in Sydney earlier this year, and has found some disturbing results, as reported by ABC News.
At least 25 people under the age of 18 were strip searched without a parent or guardian present at Lost City music fesitval earlier this year, rendering the search unlawful. Counsel Assisting Dr. Peggy Dwyer told the hearing that only five of 30 teens strip searched were searched legally.
In one case, a 15 year old boy was reportedly told by an officer to “hold your dick and lift your balls up and show me your gooch.”
The boy reportedly froze and is now fearful of being anywhere near police officers. The officers in question also searched his phone and wallet, including his private messages without permission.
In another case, an officer reportedly touched a boy’s testicles and rubbed his hands across his buttocks in a circular motion while searching the teen without wearing gloves.
No drugs were found on any of the people strip searched.
These findings come after, earlier this year, it was found that over 120 underage girls had been strip searched by NSW Police since 2016.
