The High Court has ruled against Sex Matters in their case against the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and British Transport Police (BTP) over their “consensual” searching policies

As I said, this situation isn’t that common. Certainly not with strip searches. Less intrusive searches are wherever possible by same sex, but honestly, if you knew how few cops are now out there looking after us, the rare dodgy trans lady would not be on your radar. Despite the ‘uplift’ more officers have left and not been replaced than you could imagine. Ask for a ride along. Somewhere nice and busy. Anyone who isn’t a station cat has way too much to worry about out than someone trying to get a thrill from a search. And IF you are asked to search the opposite sex you can say no. This is such a non-issue. I would rather focus be given more to the millions of varying grades of domestic abuse and coercive control which are rampant and notoriously difficult to get through CPS. Or ditto for rape.

This is my area. So our guidance is we can refuse to no detriment. I have been vocally GC in work for a while now, and a bit long in the tooth so no one would be pressuring me. My male colleagues are decent so it wouldn’t happen anyway. However I worry about young, new starts that may feel like they have to or they would be seen as bigoted.

We had a problematic TIM and I saw he had requested to be searched (a standard search) by two females (and this was granted). I would have liked to have been there to see the reasoning, how comfortable they were etc. It’s just a cursory search but still. I can’t see any females agreeing to strip search a TIM. None of my colleagues would.

The other side, yes it’s all on camera but the majority who come into custody are under the influence or have mental health issues. The trans people I’ve dealt with, both male and female, have all had mental health issues. What if they turn round and say ‘I didn’t have the capacity’ which would have detrimental effects on officers who were probably just trying to be kind.

The good thing though is our systems have been changed to ‘biological sex’ and not gender. I’ve been moaning about that for a while!

Excellent news, Sex Mattress is going to spin it to make it sound like they won I assume?

Nothing to see, move long. Oh look a squirrel.

And yes very disappointing result

It says in the guidance that the individual being searched, the officer searching, and the custody sergeant will sign to say consent has been given. Custody suites are also on camera, so the consent will have been recorded. Hard to say you didn't give consent after all that.

If you’re not live action roleplaying a police officer I’d love to know your police ID so I can report you to the team which ensures “police” aren’t misusing social media to spread bigotry. But of course this will upset your live action roleplaying.