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Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has opened its newly rebuilt Longsight custody suite, marking a key step in its ongoing programme to modernise detention services and increase capacity across the force.
The site, which was last operational in 2019, has been transformed over a three-year redevelopment project delivered on budget. Now the largest custody facility in Greater Manchester, it is designed to support increased demand driven by rising proactive policing activity across the region.
With 44 cells, Longsight will more than double custody capacity in the city of Manchester once fully operational from 14 May, supporting a significant rise in arrests since 2021 linked to intensified crime-fighting activity.
The facility is also the first custody suite in the country to introduce airport-style scanning technology, aimed at improving safety, efficiency and dignity for both staff and detainees. Funding for the scanner was provided by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).
Inside the redesigned suite, GMP has introduced dedicated spaces for young people, specialist provisions for neurodivergent detainees, CCTV and in-cell telephony in every cell, and improved natural lighting through a skylight in the main building.
The force has also trialled new technology that could allow first court hearings to take place remotely from custody, reducing the need to transport suspects to court immediately after charge and improving efficiency in the wider criminal justice system.
The opening follows a period of significant change for GMP’s custody services. The force addressed all concerns raised by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) in 2023 and implemented 26 recommendations from Dame Vera Baird’s 2024 review into the treatment of people in custody. GMP also became the first force in the country to end welfare strip-searches.
In 2025, the custody team was named National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Custody Team of the Year, reflecting the scale of improvement since GMP committed to becoming an exemplar in custody provision.
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson of Greater Manchester Police said the new suite represents a major milestone in the force’s transformation.
“The opening of Longsight represents a major milestone in GMP’s journey to become the best police force for the people of Greater Manchester. It gives us more space to safely detain suspects, improved safety for staff and detainees, and a modern facility that supports continued improvement.”
He added that investment in both leadership and infrastructure had helped reshape custody provision since 2023, with the aim of ensuring dignity and safety across all detention settings.
Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities said the new facility reflects a wider commitment across Greater Manchester to improve custody standards.
“This facility has been designed with wellbeing at its heart, including provision for young people and neurodivergent detainees. It will help GMP continue to improve the service it provides to the public, supported by new technology funded through GMCA.”
She also highlighted the role of the Independent Custody Visitor Scheme, which recently achieved Gold Standard status for its independent monitoring of custody conditions and treatment of detainees.
The Longsight reopening follows the earlier redevelopment of Bolton custody suite in 2022, and forms part of GMP’s wider infrastructure programme since Chief Constable Watson’s arrival in 2021.
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