Dame Vera Baird Inquiry wants to hear from any women and girls about strip searches in custody

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GMP headquarters

The independent Inquiry by Dame Vera Baird KC into the treatment by GMP of women and girls in relation to arrest, custody, strip or intimate searching and respect for their dignity and rights wants to hear from any further women and girls about their experience in these areas.

This includes any examples of any removal and replacement of clothing in GMP custody. In August 2023, the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Deputy Mayor for Police, Crime, Fire and Criminal Justice, Kate Green, commissioned the independent Inquiry following a Sky News investigation into the experiences of three women in GMP custody.

As well as looking into the cases featured on Sky News, Dame Vera Baird’s Inquiry is also looking into the wider experiences of women and girls being arrested and taken into police custody in Greater Manchester, in particular around any concerns about their rights, dignity and respect.

Dame Vera has also been speaking to voluntary and community groups which support women and girls in Greater Manchester to inform her work.

Dame Vera will report directly to the Deputy Mayor in relation to progress and outcomes and a report will be presented to the Mayor and Deputy Mayor later this year and will be published in full.

Dame Vera Baird KC said: “Progress is being made in my Inquiry but I want to make sure that women and girls in Greater Manchester have every opportunity to come forward and tell me about any concerns they have about their experiences of arrest by GMP and treatment in their custody.

“It is vital that my Inquiry gets an accurate picture of how women and girls are treated. We will also want to consider any concerns about how police complaints made about such issues have been dealt with by GMP.

“I want women and girls to have confidence that if they report a crime or for any reason are in GMP’s custody, their rights and dignity are fully protected and they are treated with respect.”

Read the full Baird Inquiry Terms of Reference. 

In order for the Baird Inquiry to effectively capture all the relevant issues, Dame Vera wants to hear from any women and girls in the city-region who have concerns about their treatment. They can get in touch with Baird Inquiry team by emailing admintothebairdreview@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk no later than 9am Friday 13 October 2023.