Custody Visiting Scheme
Independent Custody Visitors are members of the local community who visit police stations unannounced to check on the welfare of people in police custody. They must be over 18 and have no direct involvement in the criminal justice system, for example as serving police officers or special constables. Other people such as Solicitors or Probation Officers may also be excluded to prevent possible conflicts of interest with an individual.
Independent Custody Visitors visit police stations in pairs. The timing of visits is a matter for the visitors to decide between them but they must be random and unannounced. On arrival at a police station Independent Custody Visitors will be escorted to the custody area. Any detainees will be identified by their custody numbers and the strict rules of confidentially will apply. Interviews with detainees are normally carried out within sight, though out of hearing, of the escorting police officer so as to protect the safety of the Custody Visitor but ensure confidentiality of the detainee.
Leicestershire Police Authority Annual Report 2008/09
Leicestershire Police Authority Annual Report 2007/08
Derbyshire Police Authority Annual Report 2007/08
Northamptonshire Police Authority Annual Report 2007/08
Nottinghamshire Police Authority Annual Report 2007/08
For further details visit the Independent Custody Visiting Association website on www.icva.org.uk.
If you are interested in becoming an Independent Custody Visitor please see details of any vacancies by clicking here.
Get involved
Become a custody visitor
If you'd like more information on becoming a custody visitor, simply fill in your details below.