Police Revive Plans Allowing Transgender Officers to Strip-Search Women

Police chiefs are considering allowing transgender officers with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) to conduct intimate searches on female detainees. The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) previously withdrew similar guidance last year after concerns about women's safety were raised by the government.

Documents seen by The Telegraph indicate that the NPCC’s diversity committee supports allowing trans officers with a GRC to search detainees in line with their legally recognised gender. Anyone can apply for a GRC, which costs just £5, if a doctor signs off a diagnosis of gender dysphoria. The full NPCC is set to consider the proposals next month.

The proposed policy suggests that detainees who object to a search by a trans officer could request a different officer, but also states that prejudicial objections should be “dealt with positively.” When questioned, the NPCC was unable to say what "dealt with positively" meant. Previous withdrawn guidance suggested such objections could be recorded as “non-crime hate incidents.”

Cathy Larkman, a retired police superintendent, condemned the move, saying police leaders had been “entirely captured by gender ideology” and were prioritising ideology over women's safety. She warned: “The police have forgotten about women…It’s unforgivable.”

Maya Forstater, CEO of women’s rights group Sex Matters, also strongly criticised the proposals, stating: “Paying £5 for a piece of paper from the Government doesn’t turn a male police officer into a female one.” She called the guidance a “serious breach of the fundamental rights of female detainees.”

The NPCC has defended the review, saying it consulted widely with policing bodies, legal experts, and community groups. A spokesperson stated: “Chief constables will be reviewing and discussing the proposed changes in the next few weeks.”

The British Transport Police introduced a similar policy last year, which is now being challenged in court. The NPCC's final decision is expected soon.