The use of anti-rip clothing in police custody raises fundamental questions about dignity, necessity, and proportionality. As set out in our reports of 2022 and update report in 2024, the removal of a person’s clothing, sometimes by force, and replacement with anti-rip clothing is an intrusive police power. Whilst we accept that this approach is intended to manage risk, we had become aware from HMICFRS reports and discussions with policing stakeholders that the clothing was being used by force in the absence of risk information. 

Our work highlighted longstanding concerns about the lack of consistent scrutiny, transparency, and national data in this area. Despite the seriousness of the practice, there has historically been no or very limited pictures of how often anti-rip clothing is used, in what circumstances, or with what safeguards. This lack of visibility was a key driver behind our recommendation that data on its use should be routinely collected and published. 

ICVA made a series of recommendations aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and safeguarding within police custody. One of those recommendations called for the collection and publication of data on the use of anti-rip clothing.  

We are therefore pleased to see that, for the first time, official statistics on anti-rip clothing have been included in the Police Custody and Pre-Charge Bail statistical release for the year ending March 2025. This marks an important milestone and reflects the impact of ICVAs advocacy to improve oversight in this area. 

A First Step 

It is important to recognise that this is the first year these data have been collected, and reporting has been voluntary. As a result, the dataset is incomplete: 

• 24 police forces did not provide any data on the use (or non-use) of anti-rip clothing. 

• Of the 19 forces that did provide data: 

• 10 reported no use of anti-rip clothing. 

• 9 reported that anti-rip clothing had been used. 

This means that, at present, we do not yet have a comprehensive national picture. The next data cycle will however make this data mandatory and should significantly improve both coverage and consistency in next year’s release. 

What the Early Data Shows 

Among the nine forces that reported using anti-rip clothing, the figures are as follows: 

• Lancashire: 150 uses (0.6% of custody population) 

• Merseyside: 272 uses (0.9%) 

• Derbyshire: 17 uses (0.1%) 

• Northamptonshire: 57 uses (0.5%) 

• Warwickshire: 26 uses (0.5%) 

• West Mercia: 280 uses (1.7%) 

• Cambridgeshire: 13 uses (1.7%) 

• City of London: 9 uses (0.4%) 

• Dyfed-Powys: 53 uses (0.7%) 

While percentages remain relatively low across forces which is encouraging, the variation between forces is notable and warrants further exploration as more complete data becomes available. Encouragingly, the use of anti-rip clothing on children appears to be very limited, with only six recorded instances across all reporting forces.  

Gaps That Still Need Addressing 

One key concern from ICVA whilst looking at the return was the absence of data on whether force was used in conjunction with the application of anti-rip clothing. This was a specific element of our original recommendation. We had understood that such information would be included.  

We have sought clarification on the Home Office on this point since the publication of the data tables, and they have confirmed that the data was requested, but that this year only one force was able to provide it. Officials reassure us that they will be working with forces to improve the data collection in this area over the coming years.  

Understanding the context in which anti-rip clothing is used, including whether force is involved is essential to assessing proportionality, safeguarding, and compliance with human rights standards. 

Looking Ahead 

Despite its limitations, this first publication represents meaningful progress. The inclusion of anti-rip clothing data in official statistics is a direct result of focused recommendations and engagement, and it lays the groundwork for stronger accountability. 

With mandatory reporting due to begin, next year’s dataset should provide a far more complete and robust picture. This will enable deeper analysis, better scrutiny, and ultimately improvements in practice. 

We will continue to engage with stakeholders to ensure that future data collection captures not just the frequency of use, but also the context, safeguards, and outcomes associated with anti-rip clothing in custody settings. 

We look forward to building on this progress in the year ahead.