Independent Custody Visiting Scheme

What is Independent Custody Visiting?

Independent Custody Visiting is a statutory responsibility of the Police Authority (Section 51 of the Police Reform Act 2002) which came into force on 1 April 2003. The Authority is required to organise and oversee a Scheme in which volunteers from the local community visit police stations unannounced to check on the welfare of people being held in police custody. The role of Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) is to look, listen and report on their findings.

The Scheme in Leicestershire

Members of the Police Authority oversee custody visiting arrangements and receive regular reports. Paul Brown is the Lead Member for Independent Custody Visiting.

There are three custody visiting teams - one for each of the main custody suites - Beaumont Leys (14 cells), Euston Street (36 cells) and Keyham Lane (17 cells). Each team has approximately 14 ICVs and one acts as Co-ordinator. The Co-ordinator sets team meeting dates, organises the visit rota and is the main point of contact with the Police Authority Office. Each team is required to undertake at least one visit per week to their custody suite. Visits are unannounced and carried out in pairs.

What happens during a custody visit?

On arrival at the police station ICVs are escorted to the custody area. Detainees are identified by their custody numbers and strict rules of confidentially apply. Interviews with detainees are normally carried out within sight but out of hearing of the escorting police officer to protect the safety of the ICVs but ensure the confidentiality of the detainee. Conversations focus on the detainee's rights and entitlements under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) and issues relating to their welfare. ICVs are allowed access to all parts of the custody areas including cells, detention rooms, kitchens and if they are not in use medical rooms, showers and interview rooms. At the end of the visit a report form is completed by ICVs and forwarded to the Police Authority. Any issues raised by ICVs are taken up with the Chief Inspector (Criminal Justice).

Training and Expenses

A comprehensive training programme is provided and includes sessions on the legal and procedural aspects of the role, the relevant aspects of Code C of PACE and the Human Rights Act, health and safety, data protection, the role of the Custody Sergeant, police complaints procedures and diversity awareness. There is also ongoing support from other ICVs and the Scheme Administrator. This is a voluntary unpaid role however ICVs are reimbursed for any expenses incurred for travel to and from training, meetings and custody visits.