Greater Manchester Police Slammed for Abuse of Power
A shocking report exposes Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers for unlawful arrests, humiliating strip searches, and mistreatment of sexual abuse and domestic violence victims. The damning inquiry has lifted the lid on a culture of abuse and cover-up across almost all GMP stations.
Unlawful Arrests & Shocking Strip Searches
The Baird Inquiry began after three women suffered appalling treatment in custody. It soon widened to uncover systemic failings in GMP’s handling of vulnerable detainees. Officers have been “using their power unwisely, unnecessarily, and sometimes unlawfully,” the report reveals, with complaints routinely dismissed in an “evasive, defensive, or aggressive” manner.
Dame Vera Baird, who led the inquiry, highlights a “gross and perplexing imbalance” where victims of male violence are treated like criminals. Three of 15 complainants were domestic abuse survivors; others suffered sexual abuse. Yet, officers appear to criminalise victims rather than protect them.
The report warns unlawful arrests “may be endemic” in GMP, driven by pressure from senior ranks to boost arrest figures following criticism of crime recording failures in 2020.
Strip searches are branded “deeply injurious” and often occur without clear reason or proper documentation. They frequently serve as a humiliating power trip rather than legitimate police procedure.
“One woman, Dannika Stewart, was arrested and strip-searched after reporting a sexual crime. Despite no credible evidence, she was humiliated, left naked without even a blanket for modesty,” the report details.
Custody Mistreatment & Lack of Empathy
The inquiry uncovers shocking conditions in custody suites. Detainees were denied medication, basic hygiene items, and even decent toilet access. One man was left naked for eight hours and went hungry and thirsty during a 10-hour detention.
Chief Constable Promises Swift Action
Chief Constable Stephen Watson apologised for the “incivility, insensitivity, and lack of leadership” exposed by the report. He accepted all recommendations and vowed to raise standards and ensure dignity, especially for women and girls.
The report calls for:
- Phasing out strip searches in welfare cases
- Better officer training on domestic and sexual trauma
- Independent oversight of GMP complaint handling
Changes Already Underway
In response to the fallout, GMP has:
- Banned anti-tear clothing
- Appointed female welfare officers for every female detainee
- Started providing sealed packs of sanitary products proactively
- Boosted transparency and scrutiny of strip searches
- Set up a team reviewing 150-200 detention cases monthly for compliance
The Baird Inquiry has exposed shocking abuses of power at GMP. The public and victims alike will be watching closely to see if these reforms bring the real change desperately needed in how vulnerable people are treated by the police.
