Who are independent custody visitors?
Independent custody visitors (ICVs) are local community members who check on the welfare of people in police custody, by visiting police stations unannounced. Representing various backgrounds and sections of the community, ICVs must be over 18 and have no direct involvement in the criminal justice system, such as serving police officers or special constables. Others, such as solicitors or probation officers, may be excluded to prevent possible conflicts of interest for the individual. This maintains the independence of the scheme as a whole.

How are independent custody visitors selected and trained?
Volunteers wishing to become independent custody visitors submit written applications and selected candidates are asked to attend an interview. Successful applicants then attend a one day information / training day organised by their local police authority, usually in partnership with ICVA.

The training programme is made up of practical and theoretical exercises covering all aspects of custody visiting, complemented by a set of guidelines and the basic principles of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE).

This provides visitors with a sound knowledge and thorough understanding of detainees’ rights and police responsibilities. Further sessions are arranged locally to keep ICVs informed on new developments and to share experiences.

Newly appointed ICVs complete a probationary period, usually followed by three year appointments, which may be renewable.

When and where are visits made?
Independent custody visitors visit police stations on a weekly basis, usually in pairs within their local area. The actual timing of visits is at their own discretion, but must be random and unannounced.

What happens when independent custody visitors make a visit?
Independent custody visitors must maintain their independence and impartiality. They do not take sides, but look, listen and report on what they find in the custody unit. On arrival at the police station, ICVs present identification cards and are escorted to the custody area. The detainees are identified by their custody numbers and strict rules of confidentiality apply. ICVs may occasionally be denied immediate access to the custody unit for safety reasons and asked to wait. For security reasons, interviews with detainees are normally carried out within sight, but out of hearing of the escorting officer.

Reporting procedures
A report is completed after each visit, providing an insight into the running of the custody area at that time. Copies of the reports are provided to the police, the police authority, independent custody visitors and the Home Office. These provide a vital source of information on the environmental and welfare conditions in which detainees are held; their content is analysed and areas for action highlighted.

Other duties
Independent custody visitors must treat as confidential the details of what they see and hear during visits. They are expected to report in general terms to their police authority at an appropriate time of the year (eg the annual meeting).

Find out more about custody visiting in Latest News or check out our quarterly newsletter, Visiting Times.