The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an independent investigation into six complaints by Dannika Stewart, exposing grave misconduct by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) during her custody in October 2022.
The complaints highlight a humiliating strip search at Pendleton Police Station, substandard medical care, and a mishandled police interview, revealing systemic failures in GMP’s treatment of women.
Background
Ms Stewart’s 60 complaints arose from her attempted arrest on 7 October 2022, her attendance at Pendleton Police Station, and her arrest on 10 October. Her ordeal began after reporting a suspected grooming case, only to face arrest for blackmail and malicious communications, with no evidence to justify a year-long bail. GMP are criticised in a similar case for abusing bail. The Baird Inquiry, published in July 2024 and led by Dame Vera Baird KC, condemned GMP’s practices. It detailed how Dannika Stewart was forced to strip naked during a search, denied a blanket, and left feeling “degraded”. The inquiry exposed GMP’s punitive response to her initial report, amplifying her distress.
IOPC Findings
The IOPC’s review of GMP’s handling found only 44 of 60 complaints adequately addressed, with 16 upheld due to significant lapses. Eight complaints, involving two officers, were referred to the Reflective Practice Review Process, a response critics view as insufficient. Six complaints, including the strip search, are now under independent investigation, underscoring GMP’s failure to ensure dignity and care.
GMP’s Inadequate Response
GMP’s unreserved apology to Ms Dannika Stewart and claims of reform, including ending welfare strip searches for women and assigning welfare officers, come too late. These measures, prompted by The Baird Inquiry, should have been standard practice. GMP’s assertion of “significant improvements” fails to address the profound harm caused by their earlier negligence.
IOPC Statement
IOPC Director David Ford said,
“The severity of Ms Stewart’s complaints required a thorough review of GMP’s misconduct. This has been a gruelling process for her, and our investigation into the strip search and related failures will keep her informed throughout.”
Ongoing Concerns
The IOPC’s latest review, launched in November 2024, follows a September 2023 review that forced GMP to reinvestigate earlier complaints from April 2022. GMP’s repeated failures raise doubts about their ability to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly women in custody. It also shows GMP’s professional standards department tenacity to abuse the complaint process, protecting their officers at all costs appears to be their motto.
The investigation continues, with GMP’s culture of disregard under scrutiny.
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