Overview

• The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has issued interim guidance requiring strip searches to be conducted by officers of the same biological sex as the detainee.
• This policy follows the UK Supreme Court's April ruling defining 'woman' under the Equality Act as referring to biological sex, excluding trans women.
• The guidance includes narrow exceptions where detainees may request searches by an officer matching their gender identity, contingent on written consent from all parties involved.
• The NPCC emphasized that the guidance is based on legal advice and developed through consultation with policing and external agencies.
• The interim policy has been distributed to all UK police forces, with the NPCC aiming for consistent implementation while collaborating with the Home Office on potential legislative updates.