Overview

• All strip searches requiring removal beyond outer garments must be conducted by officers of the detainee’s biological sex, with transgender individuals able to request officers of their lived gender
• Transgender suspects can ask for a “separate area search,” splitting their body between male and female officers, provided written consent is given by the suspect, searching officer, and an authorising inspector or above
• Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton says the interim rules balance legal duties under the Equality Act with respect for personal dignity and recognise operational limitations
• For Women Scotland and policy experts warn the guidance could coerce female officers into searching male transgender suspects and may conflict with the Supreme Court’s ruling
• The Scottish Police Federation encourages officers who feel pressured to report concerns and notes the Scottish Government’s working group is preparing new Equality and Human Rights Commission advice on single-sex services