A damning report demanding urgent change into the way women and girls are treated in the custody of Greater Manchester Police has been released this morning
The report by Dame Vera Baird,the former victims commissioner was set up by Mayor Andy Burnham after allegations about the mistreatment of women in custody were aired back in July 2023 by Sky News
The report reveals a problematic culture and practices’ within Greater Manchester Police
The report found that police were abusing their power – making unlawful arrests, unlawful and demeaning strip searches, sometimes treating victims as perpetrators, and traumatising those who have suffered sexual abuse or domestic violence.
Dame Vera also found that unlawful arrests in her words may be endemic in GMP” possibly influenced by decisions made at the most senior level.
“The strategic priority to increase arrests may be driving unwise and unlawful arrests.”
The report also found that the use of strip searches does not reduce the risk of self-harm ‘in the moment or in the future’, describing it ‘entirely counter-productive’.
Addressing the press conference Dame Vera spoke about a victim who is now suffering from PTSD and is “terrified of Greater Manchester Police” after an unlawful arrest and strip search
In recalling her strip search, a woman given the name Maria to preserve her anonymity, told the inquiry:
“The only reason they did what they did was to degrade me … If I was a man, I don’t think they would’ve done it. I was treated like a piece of meat.”
Responding to the report Greater Manchester Police say that they apologise and accept the recommendations of the inquiry.
“We have already made some improvements but acknowledge there is more to do.”
The report highlights critical issues around use of arrest, care for domestic and sexual abuse survivors, treatment of women and men in custody, use of strip-search, and the handling of complaints.
They added
We understand the shock and concern of many who will have seen the media coverage that prompted the commissioning of this report by the Mayor of Greater Manchester last year.
We have fully engaged with Dame Vera’s report and continue to provide all requested and available materials in relation to ongoing investigations relating to the inquiry.
Andy Burnham said that the report reveals ‘problematic culture and practices which must change’
“Seven people were unlawfully arrested, many of those vulnerable people”
He added that the “individuals concerned deserve an apology” and that the Report is being sent to the new Home Secretary to consider adopting Dame Vera Baird’s recommendations nationally
Chief Constable Stephen Watson said:“Firstly I thank Dame Vera and those in the report for drawing together a number of critically important issues. To those given a voice by this inquiry who have not received the care and consideration they are entitled to: I am sorry.
“The issues raised in Dame Vera’s report speaks to a period when our custody system was under pressure not performing to an acceptable standard.
“It evidences poor systems, structures, and incivility, insensitivity and compounded by a lack of routine leadership, scrutiny, and individual examples of low standards, poor behaviour, insensitivity, and a lack of care in the face of vulnerability.
“These issues are of the utmost importance and highlight the need to maintain the highest professional standards. These must reflect our duty, and moral obligation, to respect and uphold the dignity of all detainees but with a particular focus on women and girls.
“I know some of the questions this inquiry set out to answer have not yet been answered and some of these relate to allegations that have caused understandable shock and concern.
“These matters are all subject of continuing independent investigation and GMP will continue to provide the fullest assistance to those charged with establishing the truth.
“All cases where allegations of serious criminal conduct are made will always be taken extremely seriously and any instances of wrongdoing will be relentlessly pursued and my track record speaks for itself in exited people not fit to wear the uniform.
“We accept the recommendations in this report. We commit to implementing them fully and faithfully with a view to making lasting improvements.
“Our ability to take forward the recommendations is immensely strengthened by the substantial progress we have already made.
“We will work with others to ensure that all of the wider recommendations are fully considered and, wherever possible, will seek out opportunities for GMP to play a leading role in their practical implementation to ensure the people of GM get the best possible service.”
