Force installs body scanner for custody searches
GMPA police station is set to be the first in England to have a custody suite with its own airport-style scanners designed to avoid "degrading" strip searches, where possible.
The force said Longsight Police Station will be one of the most modern in England as it implements the recommendations from a 2024 report.
Following a public inquiry, Dame Vera Baird KC, the former victims' commissioner for England and Wales, was critical of the way Greater Manchester Police (GMP) had handled custody detention, especially involving women and girls, and suggested scanners be considered.
GMP, which has doubled its number of arrests after a "back-to-basics" approach, will also open another 44 cells at the site.
GMP said the Longsight facility has dedicated spaces for youth detainees, provisions for neurodivergent detainees, and CCTV and a phoneline in every cell.
Court hearings will be conducted through on-site technology which GMP says will speed up processes because detainees will not have to be transported for an initial hearing after being charged.
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said it was a "major milestone" for the force.
He added: "It offers us more space to put suspects and keep the public safe, more safety for our staff and detainees, and a more modern and efficient facility to help GMP continue its improvements in custody provision."
"This means those who need to come into our custody, or those who work so hard in our custody, can do so with the safety and dignity they should expect", Sir Stephen said.
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