A damning report published today has found that serving officers of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have been “using their powers unwisely, unnecessarily and sometimes unlawfully”.
What is the Baird Inquiry?
It is an independent Inquiry commissioned in August 2023 by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham. The purpose of the Inquiry was to investigate the treatment of women and girls who have been arrested and taken into police custody in Greater Manchester. Concern about treatment of women and girls in the custody of GMP arose from a Sky News investigation which aired in July 2023.
The investigation was to explore the experiences of people who are arrested and taken into police custody with a focus on women and girls. There was also a specific focus on the use of strip searches, intimate searches and the removal and replacement of clothing. Although the original focus was on women and girls the Inquiry also looked at cases where three men had endured similar experiences.
What are the findings of the Inquiry?
The report makes a number of findings ranging from how GMP deal with complaints to how they use their legal powers to arrest, detain and make decisions around strip searches, intimate searches and the removal of clothing.
In addition to the findings made there are also a number of recommendations made to not just GMP but regarding policing nationally around the 5 key areas regarding arrest, custody, strip searching, domestic abuse and complaints handling. One such recommendation is to end the use of strip searching and anti-rip clothing within 6 months.
Following the publication of the report, GMP have apologised and confirmed that they accept the recommendations and have committed to implementing them fully.
Advice and Support
If you have experienced ill treatment at the hands of the police whether it’s an unlawful arrest, assault or unlawful use of strip searches you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
The Personal Injury, Inquests and Civil Liberties team at Ison Harrison frequently receive enquiries relating to actions against the police in addition to enquiries from individuals who have been a victim of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Our team is able to listen to your enquiry and provide you with advice about whether there are any possible claims for compensation open to you.
We will also be able to determine if you are eligible for Legal Aid to bring your action against the police.
To find out if you could make a claim, contact the Personal Injury, Inquests and Civil Liberties team at Ison Harrison for a free, no obligation consultation.
