Police Chiefs face legal challenge over trans guidance on strip searches
Police chiefs face legal challenge over trans guidance (Image: stock image by Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)
Police chiefs and British Transport Police are set to face a High Court challenge over guidance intended to protect the rights of both trans detainees and working police officers, with the case due to start on 16 June.
The legal action targets National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) strip-search guidance which states: ‘Where an individual whose lived gender is not the same as their biological sex expresses a preference to be searched by an officer of their lived gender, efforts will be made to ensure an appropriate officer is identified to conduct the search.’
The guidance also says female officers can refuse to conduct an intimate search of a trans woman detainee.
Sex Matters, the women’s rights charity bringing the case, argues that in practice female officers feel they cannot opt out, fearing career repercussions. The group says this amounts to discrimination and harassment.
Legal submissions cited in the case include concerns from unnamed serving female police officers. The documents state: ‘They are concerned about predatory male detainees and requests being made for searches for reasons of sexual motivation and the exploitation of female officers.’
What the High Court will consider
The hearing is due to begin on 16 June at the High Court.
The strip-search guidance was reportedly amended in 2025 following the Supreme Court ruling.
The NPCC said the guidance ‘was developed after a thorough process in response to last year’s Supreme Court ruling’ and is ‘explicit that officers will face no career detriment for refusing to carry out a search’. A spokesperson added: ‘We will be outlining our position in court and look forward to the court’s decision in the coming weeks.’
Context around NPCC strip-search guidance
The NPCC is a coordinating body for UK policing that issues guidance and positions but does not direct forces operationally.
Police search policies in the UK have been repeatedly contested amid debates about sex-based rights, trans inclusion, and safeguarding in custody settings, including scrutiny of National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) guidance.
The case also follows wider debate about how forces apply post-ruling policies in custody settings, including the British Transport Police.
