The National Standards on independent custody visiting can be read in full here:
Sections A-D
Sections E-G
Sections H-J
B. The Process
To explain the process ICVA has:
- Developed a website packed with relevant materials (www.icva.org.uk)
- Produced a community awareness video
- Designed a leaflet which has been translated into 19 languages
- Created posters depicting a number of images to assist recruitment and heighten awareness
- Produced a student workbook sets out the list of relevant articles and the significant implications from this legislation for all involved in the process
- Developed ‘An Introduction to Cultural Awareness’ module for police authorities independent visitors.
C. Organisation and Infrastructure
To assist police authorities and independent custody visitors ICVA has:
- Developed a website packed with relevant materials (www.icva.org.uk)
- Produced a community awareness video
- Designed a leaflet which has been translated into 19 languages
- Created posters depicting a number of images to assist recruitment and heighten awareness.
D. Recruitment and Conditions of Service
ICVA has produced detailed practical guidance on recruitment procedures and is a good source of general advice in this area. To assist police authorities with their recruitment process ICVA has developed an administration section on its website, www.icva.org.uk that includes:
- A sample independent custody visitor job description
- A sample independent custody visitor person specification
- A sample co-ordinator visitor job description
- A sample independent custody visitor, equal opportunities
- A sample monitoring form for independent custody visitor decisions.
E. Training
Responsibility for Training
ICVA is a very useful source of training support and documentation. They may be in a position to contribute directly to meeting specific training needs and can provide advice on best practice derived from their extensive experience in training independent custody visitors across the whole range of knowledge and skills.
The necessary training can be divided into three broad areas:
Initial Training
This should cover the basic knowledge and skills required to effectively carry out independent custody visits. It is likely to require a minimum of one whole day, supported by appropriate pre-reading. Key contents should include:
- The purpose of and background to independent custody visiting
- The relevant aspects of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and of its associated Code C covering Detention, Treatment and Questioning
- Current Home Office statutory requirements
- National standards
- Local guidance, conditions of service and working practices
- The basic practicalities of conducting independent custody visits
ICVA is a very useful source of training support and documentation. To assist police authorities and independent custody visitors ICVA has:
- Developed a multimedia modular training package, which can be tailored to suit local schemes
- Produced a training DVD demonstrating the custody visiting process
- Designed a student workbook on CD, which includes all of the key contents
- Created a trainer’s guide and a checklist / aide-memoir to assist visitors when carrying out their visits
Induction Training
It will be useful for the memorandum of understanding agreed between the police authority and new independent custody visitors to include references to training arrangements and to a six-month probationary period during which experience will be acquired in a supportive environment. Only once that initial period has been successfully completed should full independent custody visitor status be granted.
To assist police authorities and independent custody visitors ICVA has developed a number of advanced scenarios which are available through its website (www.icva.org.uk) which will assist in induction training.
Continuous Training
There is always scope to refresh and enhance training and there may be specific issues to address in relation to changing legal, procedural and Health and Safety requirements, developing best practice or practical issues emerging from the visiting process.
Conferences and other gatherings organised by the ICVA are a further opportunity to benefit from others’ knowledge and experience. To assist police authorities and independent custody visitors ICVA has developed a number of advanced scenarios which are available through its website (www.icva.org.uk)
Evaluating Training
The extent to which overall training objectives are being achieved should be tested by examining its impact on the visiting process at police stations. Those responsible for training should seek feedback from both recipients and those delivering it.
H. Visiting Procedures at Stations
ICVA has developed a checklist to assist independent custody visitors to carry out their inspections
Access to Detainees
ICVA has developed a checklist to assist independent custody visitors to carry out their visit/ interviews with detainees
Reporting on a Visit
ICVA has developed a sample national report form that is available to police authorities and complements the software package
Confidentiality and Disclosure
ICVA has developed a sample national report form that is available to police authorities and has the appropriate declaration