GMP puts an end to strip searches aimed at ‘welfare and self-harm’ after report

A police force criticized for its treatment of women and girls in custody has stopped strip searches for “welfare or self-harm” purposes.

Action by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) a ‘damn’ report Dame Vera Baird was brought into the custody system by the KC.

Assistant Chief Constable Terry Woods said “significant progress” had been made in implementing the recommendations in the report, which was “disturbing reading that highlights some disturbing facts”.

The area’s deputy mayor, Kate Green, said ending most strip searches was a “very important” step.

Detention staff were told that “welfare or self-harm strip searches conducted in response to a detainee refusing to answer risk assessment questions at the detention desk (…) must stop immediately.”

Strip searches have not been banned outright, but the way they are carried out has been overhauled by police following an independent investigation by Dame Vera.

According to new police guidance, in all previously recorded cases, detainees should first be asked to reveal hidden items, with a strip search as a “last resort”.

It heard one woman complain of being “humiliated” by police officers during a strip search in 2021, while others spoke of being “humiliated” and “humiliated” while in custody.

The investigation, led by the former victims’ commissioner, was called after three women claimed they were unfairly strip-searched by police.

Dame Vera uncovered evidence of poor practices in arrest, detention and strip searches in a review largely focused on 14 complaints between 2021 and 2023.

Unannounced visits to detention centers will be carried out by new compliance officers and a new team will be deployed to ensure the highest standards of dignity, care and security are maintained.

Other changes include training offices to be more considerate about how to treat victims of domestic and sexual abuse, selecting female outreach officers to talk to same-sex suspects in custody, and providing packages containing items such as sanitary products to all female detainees.

GMP addressed 24 of the 26 recommendations in the report.

Ms Green said although police had taken action, “wider culture change will not happen overnight” and behavioral changes “will take time”.