Greater Manchester Police have unveiled a new custody suite featuring airport-style scanners designed to replace traditional strip searches.
This shift in protocol aims to protect the dignity of suspects, particularly women, following recommendations from the Baird Inquiry. By utilizing scanning technology, the department seeks to reduce the physical intrusion associated with custodial processing while maintaining security standards.
The new facility is located at the Longsight police station in Greater Manchester, England [1]. The implementation of the scanner is part of a broader investment in the site, with the new custody centre costing £9.5 million [1].
Traditional strip searches have faced significant criticism for being invasive and potentially traumatic. The Baird Inquiry highlighted the need for systemic changes to prevent the mistreatment of detainees during the search process. The new system allows officers to detect contraband or hidden items without requiring suspects to remove their clothing in the manner previously required.
Officials said the technology provides a more humane alternative to manual searches. The scanners operate similarly to those found in international airports, providing a digital image that allows officers to identify risks without physical contact. This transition is intended to align police practices with modern human rights standards and the specific findings of the inquiry into custodial searches.
The Longsight facility serves as a model for how other police forces in the United Kingdom might integrate technology to mitigate the risks of abuse and dignity violations during the intake process. The department said the investment in the custody suite reflects a commitment to evolving police procedure in response to public and legal scrutiny.
“Greater Manchester Police have unveiled a new custody suite featuring airport-style scanners designed to replace traditional strip searches.”
The adoption of scanning technology in Greater Manchester represents a tangible shift from manual, invasive search protocols to a tech-driven security model. By acting on the Baird Inquiry's recommendations, the police are attempting to resolve a long-standing tension between the necessity of security and the fundamental right to dignity. If successful, this £9.5 million investment could set a precedent for other UK police forces to phase out strip searches in favor of non-invasive imaging.
