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UK Police Enforce Biological Sex Rule for Strip Searches After Court Ruling

New interim guidance mandates searches align with detainees' biological sex, allowing limited consent-based exceptions.

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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.