Statement Supplied to Belfast Telegraph

30 September 2009 News

Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, said:

“I am concerned at these apparent high numbers of young people being stopped and searched.

I recognize that the PSNI needs to use their powers appropriately to protect the community, including children and young people from crime.

However, I will be writing to the Chief Constable asking that PSNI officers who stop and search young people explain, in a child friendly way what is happening. I hope that they will also produce child friendly literature to make sure that young people understand what is happening when they are stopped.”