An independent panel has been launched following a damning investigation which revealed evidence of people being “humiliated” while in custody of Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

This decision is a response to the recommendations made by Dame Vera Baird in her report to guarantee “more humane and more dignified treatment” of suspects after their arrest.

Dame Vera was commissioned to review the GMP by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.

She said she hoped her report would be a “historic moment for policing” and “serve as a model for the entire country.”

The review heard evidence from several complainants, including one woman who said that after reporting she was strangled by her partner, she herself was arrested and subjected to a “humiliating” intimate body search.

Dame Vera said: “This is the first time an independent panel will have wide-ranging powers to review how the police carry out arrests, custody, strip searches, (handling) of (reports) ) of domestic violence and all the other issues I raised in my report.

“None of the panel members have any ties to the police; they will be able to independently examine police activity and shine a spotlight on their actions.”

Panelists will include people with professional or lived experience of policing and the justice system.

Arrestees, victims’ groups and community organizations as well as a district attorney and a former magistrate will serve on the panel.

Kate Green, Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor for Safer, Stronger Communities, said: “Proper and dignified arrests and detentions are fundamental to public trust in the police.

“That’s why we’re launching this new panel.”

She said it would play a “vital role” in reviewing GMP’s actions.

Detective Superintendent Ryan Davies, GMP’s head of custody and criminal justice, said the committee “reinforces our commitment to being held accountable for our use of arrests and our performance in custody”.

The group will meet in January 2025 and report to Ms Green and GMP Chief Constable Stephen Watson.

Around 60,000 suspects are arrested each year in Greater Manchester, police said.