Greater Manchester Police ends ‘welfare’ strip searches of people in custody
Police cells / Credit: Matthew Ansley (via Unsplash)
The use of police strip searches for ‘welfare’ purposes have now ended in our region following a major inquiry.
Following the completion of the Dame Vera Baird Inquiry – which was an independent review into the experiences of women and girls in police custody in Greater Manchester, commissioned by Mayor Andy Burnham and Deputy Mayor Kate Green back in 2023 – it was recommended that the use of ‘welfare’ strip searches be ceased.
The independent review was commissioned following reports in the media – most notably from Sky News – of accounts from three women in Greater Manchester.
The report took evidence from 14 complainants who spoke about their experiences in police custody between 2021 and 2023.
Now, an assessment from the Deputy Mayor on progress since the Inquiry’s publication back in July has found that 24 of the 26 recommendations made to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), including the end of ‘welfare’ strip searches, have been implemented.
Seven of the eight recommendations put to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) are set to be delivered by next month.
Recommendations to GMCA included the establishment of an Independent Scrutiny Panel to look at arrests and custody records, and appointing a new Super Independent Custody Visitor to make unannounced visits to custody suites.
Mayor Andy Burnham called the inquiry a “landmark moment” in the quest to improve the safety and treatment of women across Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester Police have changed the rules on strip searches following an investigation by Sky News and a report by Dame Vera Baird.
@AndyBurnhamGM says it is a “landmark moment in terms of the safety of women in Greater Manchester”https://t.co/PXoBNp7llN
📺 Sky 501 pic.twitter.com/zZFhpUKd0E— Sky News (@SkyNews) November 18, 2024
“In July, both GMCA and GMP committed to implement fully and faithfully the recommendations set out in Dame Vera’s inquiry. Back then, I called on GMP to bring an end to strip-searching for so-called welfare purposes within six months, and four months on, this practice has ended, and there is now a presumption against strip searches for concealment.”
The Mayor has thanked “all of those who came forward” to give evidence to the Inquiry.
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“It is clear that there is still progress to be made,” he continued.
“The Deputy Mayor and I will continue to hold up a mirror to unacceptable practices wherever we find them, and work with the Chief Constable and his team to ensure that improvements are delivered and sustained.”
Featured Image – Matthew Ansley (via Unsplash)