Decision details

The purpose of this independent inquiry is to explore the experience of women and girls who are arrested and taken into police custody, particularly in respect of maximizing their rights, their safety and their dignity. It will particularly focus on the appropriate use, or otherwise, of strip searches and intimate searches, removal and replacement of clothing. The inquiry will explore and seek to understand the experiences of three women, whose accounts have recently been featured on national television, and how widespread their experience may be. The inquiry will also examine the fitness of current GMP policy and procedures arising from these accounts.

The funding will enable the inquiry to be undertaken independently and by someone with nationally recognized expertise and experience in this field. This will give the independent inquiry credibility and enable it to be conducted expeditiously.

Extension of funding to the amount of £20,000 to be provided to engage Dame Vera Baird KC to conduct an independent inquiry into the experience of women and girls arrested and taken into police custody in GMP, at the invitation of the Mayor. Further complainants have engaged with the inquiry and the complexity of the work has increased.

The inquiry is likely to be concluded by the end of November 2023.
Funding will be provided from the Police and Crime Community Safety
Budget.