Police end 'welfare and self-harm' strip searches

A police force criticised for its treatment of women and girls in custody has stopped strip searches that were conducted for "welfare or self-harm purposes".

The move by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) comes in response to a "damning" report into its custody system by Dame Vera Baird KC.

Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods said "significant progress" had been made to meet recommendations in the report, which was a "disturbing read which highlighted some troubling truths".

Kate Green, the region's deputy mayor, said ending most strip searches had been a "crucially important" step.

Custody staff have been told that "strip searches for welfare or self-harm purposes that are carried out in response to an arrestee refusing to answer risk assessment questions at the custody desk should [...] stop immediately".

Strip searches have not been banned outright, but the way they have been conducted has been overhauled by the force following Dame Vera's independent inquiry.

Detainees should be asked to reveal concealed items first, with strip searches "a last resort", with all cases where it is used to be recorded, the new police guidance states.

She heard one woman complained of being "degraded" by officers when she was strip searched in 2021, while others spoke of being "demeaned" and "humiliated" while under detention.

The inquiry led by former victims' commissioner was called after three women alleged they had been subjected to unjustified strip searches by the force.

Dame Vera uncovered evidence of poor practice in the areas of arrest, custody, and strip-search in a review largely focused on 14 complaints from between 2021 and 2023.

Unannounced visits to custody sites by new compliance officers will be carried out, and a new team - to ensure the highest standards of dignity, care and safety are maintained - has been introduced.

Other changes include training for offices to be more considerate in how they treat victims of domestic and sexual abuse, picking female welfare officers to speak to suspects of the same sex in custody, and giving all female detainees packs containing items like sanitary products.

GMP has addressed 24 out of the report's 26 recommendations.

Ms Green said though the force had taken action, "wider culture change does not happen overnight" and changes in behaviour "would take time".

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