Daily Podcast: Are Women Safe In Police Custody?

Police at a station in Greater Manchester have been accused of unnecessary and invasive strip searches of women, without explanation, behind cell doors. Sky News has spoken to three women, one of whom was detained for 41 hours and also alleges she was sexually assaulted whilst in custody. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson talks to our home editor Jason Farrell about the story. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “There is currently no evidence to suggest any GMP employees have misconducted themselves or committed a criminal offence.” In a further statement, the force added they had referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. “[Zayna Iman]’s allegations regarding her treatment in custody, in February 2021, are subject to an ongoing investigation. The force made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) which instructed a GMP-led investigation. “Having reviewed the content of the television report which highlights additional concerns, I have taken the decision to make another referral to the IOPC in order to assure Miss Iman and the public that all of her allegations will be rigorously and independently reviewed. The Independent Office for Police Conduct said in a statement to Sky News: “We received a complaint referral in May 2022 from Zayna Iman in relation to allegations about her treatment in police custody at Pendleton Police Station. Following careful consideration of the available information, we directed the force to carry out a local investigation in July. “In light of the new information and concerns raised in media reports today, we have been in further discussions with Greater Manchester Police and agreed with them that they should submit a new referral so we can assess new information. “We will be reviewing existing and additional information before determining if any further action is required from us.”