In a shocking revelation, Greater Manchester Police (GMP), one of the UK’s largest police forces, has been accused of a “very serious abuse of power.”
This comes after a scathing report was released, detailing how custody officers subjected vulnerable women to humiliating strip-searches.
The investigation, led by former Victims Commissioner Dame Vera Baird, uncovered disturbing accounts from women who experienced degrading treatment by the force.
Dame Vera’s report highlights several alarming cases.
One notable incident involved a domestic abuse victim, known as Maria, who was unlawfully arrested and then strip-searched in a degrading manner.
Maria described the experience as being treated “like a piece of meat,” claiming that the sole intent was to humiliate her.
Another account tells of a woman who was arrested after reporting a suspected child groomer.
She was subjected to a strip search in a custody suite, where an officer reportedly stared at her inappropriately and no blanket was provided for her modesty.
Perhaps the most distressing case involved a 14-year-old girl, who was strip-searched by two female officers for allegedly hiding an e-cigarette. This incident occurred despite her being a victim of grooming.
The report raises questions about GMP’s approach to arrests, suggesting that a focus on increasing arrest numbers may have led to hasty and unjust detentions.
Dame Vera Baird’s recommendations include halting strip-searches based on self-harm risks or welfare concerns within six months.
She also advocates for implementing airport-style screening to minimize degrading searches, and ensuring that all female detainees have access to female welfare officers and sanitary products.
Chief Constable Stephen Watson acknowledged the findings, expressing regret for the report’s revelations.
He promised to address the issues highlighted and to implement the recommendations fully.
However, whistleblower Maggie Oliver criticized the report, calling it a damning indictment of GMP’s practices and stressing that many of those arrested were vulnerable individuals who should not have been detained in the first place.
Public Reaction and Further Calls for Change
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, commissioned the report after several women reported unjustified strip-searches. Among them was Zayna Iman, who alleged she was stripped, drugged, and sexually assaulted while in custody.
Although she later withdrew from the investigation, her case underscores the gravity of the issues exposed.
Andrea Simon from the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW) emphasized that the report reflects a broader issue within policing, extending beyond just GMP.
She called for immediate action to address systemic problems, including better understanding of domestic abuse dynamics and improved sanitary provisions for detainees.
Harrowing Testimonies
The report includes heartbreaking testimonies from former detainees.
Sophie, a teacher, was arrested for alleged criminal damage after reporting a violent partner.
Despite bleeding due to a medical condition, she was neglected until she forced a response. Maria, another victim, faced severe mistreatment after reporting a domestic abuse situation.
Dannika Stewart, who reported a suspected abuser, was wrongly turned into a suspect herself and subjected to a degrading strip search.
Lastly, Scarlett, who was just 14 when arrested, described being mistreated and neglected, with her abuse claims inadequately investigated.
Conclusion
Dame Vera Baird’s report paints a grim picture of GMP’s handling of vulnerable individuals in their custody.
It calls for significant reforms to ensure dignity and respect for all detainees.
As the police force pledges to implement these changes, the public and advocacy groups continue to push for accountability and systemic transformation in policing practices.
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