The same month two protesters — who claim they were illegally strip-searched by Vancouver Police — are taking steps to have their lawsuit classified as class action, the VPD is updating its current strip search policy.
Elise Thorburn and Christopher Jacob were strip-searched after they were arrested at a 2003 rally against the war in Iraq… that was two years after the Supreme Court of Canada ruled routine strip searches may violate basic human rights.
A 15-page report going to the Vancouver Police Board on Wednesday outlines amendments clearly defining when — and if — a strip search can be done.
Officers will no longer be allowed to demand the removal of all clothing, but they will still be able to inspect inside a prisoner’s underwear.
Stronger restrictions will also be imposed on body cavity searches and language has been changed replacing the term ‘transsexual’ with ‘transgender.’
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