GMP supports launch of Independent Scrutiny Panel

• The Panel, launched by GMCA yesterday (5 Dec 2024), will scrutinise use of arrests and custody performance by 'dip sampling' and random visits

• It is the latest significant step to faithfully endorsing and supporting the recommendations from the Baird Inquiry

• It comes as HMICFRS recommend the closure of the 25th and final recommendation, area for improvement, and cause of concern from their 2022 inspection.

We’ve welcomed the introduction of a new independent panel to scrutinise our custody performance and use of arrests across Greater Manchester, as we continue our improvements in this space.

The Independent Scrutiny Panel has been created by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) as part of the GM Mayor and Deputy Mayor’s commitment to holding us to account for our use of arrests and our service to those who we take into our custody.

Our support of the Panel is part of our overall action to faithfully endorse and implement the recommendations of Dame Vera Baird’s report into the treatment of people in custody.

We’ve made significant strides in implementing 24 of the 26 recommendations specific to GMP, including:

• Ending the use of strip search for welfare purposes.

• Refreshing officer training on the use of voluntary attendance interviews.

• Ensuring female welfare officers are allocated to female suspects in custody.

• Providing all female suspects in custody with dignity packs including sanitary products.

• Maintaining a focus on trauma-informed training for all frontline officers.

The improvements have also been reflected by His Majesty’s Inspectorate for Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) who have completed 24 of 25 recommendations, areas for improvement, and causes of concern from their 2022 custody inspection. Last week HMICFRS recommended closure of the final recommendation following further evidence we presented.

We also continue to work with national policing partners to implement long-lasting change and welcome the ongoing scrutiny from the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, which will be strengthened by the Panel.

Following a launch event in Manchester yesterday (5 December 2024), Detective Chief Superintendent Ryan Davies, GMP’s head of Custody and Criminal Justice, said: “Today’s launch is another significant step in helping to improve the service that we provide to people in custody across Greater Manchester, as we continue to strive to be a national exemplar in this space.

“It reinforces our commitment to being held to account for our use of arrests and our performance in custody, which is important in making sure people – particularly women and girls – can have confidence as to how their police force treats people in custody.

“By its nature, custody has – and always will be – a challenging environment for our officers and staff who do a tough job, with around 60,000 suspects being taken to our cells every year in GM.

“However, basic provisions and processes must always be met, and while we are confident that the new Panel will recognise our progress, we stand ready to listen to their feedback around any other aspects they identify where we may need to continue our improvement journey.”