The Baird Inquiry reveals BARBARIC treatment of vulnerable individuals by Greater Manchester Police
In the summer of 2023, The Maggie Oliver Foundation (TMOF) spotted a concerning pattern of the arrest, detainment and inhumane treatment in custody by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) of several survivors of sexual violence who it had been supporting for a number of years. All of these women had reported sexual offences and complained about GMP’s investigation of these crimes prior to their arrests. It appeared to us that these were being used as tools by the police to intimidate vulnerable victims who dared to speak out about their poor experiences of the force.
Having got nowhere with the police complaints process in relation to these concerns, TMOF turned to the media to help, with Sky News airing an investigative piece about the use of strip searches in police custody. This prompted the Mayor of Greater Manchester to commission former Victims Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird, to investigate the use of strip searches in GMP custody suites. This inquiry was quickly expanded based on the experiences of those who came forwards to speak to Dame Vera.
TMOF has supported five people to give evidence to the Inquiry. Our Legal Advocacy Manager providing valuable insight as a former custody sergeant. We have also been involved in expert panel discussions with Dame Vera and other support organisations throughout her work.
On 18th July, the Baird Inquiry published its findings. The report is a shocking read full of “horror stories” in the words of Dame Vera and paints a grim picture of GMP and officers’ treatment of those it is entrusted to protect.
Read our response to the report here
Maggie and participants in the Inquiry, included those supported by TMOF, gave several interview responding to the Inquiry’s findings, a selection of which can be watched below.
You can read the full report here
And watch the press conference linked to its publication here, including hearing Dame Vera’s passionate descriptions of the barbaric practices she witnessed as part of her investigations.
