Independent Custody Visiting Scheme

Independent Custody Visiting

Since the Police Reform Act 2002, all Police and Crime Commissioners have had a statutory duty to maintain an Independent Custody Visiting Scheme for their area to check on the welfare of detainees in police custody suites.

 In November 2023 the Cambridge and Peterborough Scheme was awarded Gold status by the Independent Custody Visiting Association (ICVA).

Gold status means Cambridgeshire and Peterborough scheme provides an excellent standard of custody visiting and volunteer management.

What is Independent Custody Visiting? 

Under the Police Reform Act 2002, as amended by the Police Reform & Social Responsibility Act 2011, the Local Policing Body has a statutory duty to establish and maintain an Independent Custody Visiting Scheme, which involves volunteer members of the public visiting police stations to check and report on the treatment of detainees, the conditions in which they are held and that their rights and entitlements are being observed. The scheme offers protection and confidentiality to detainees, the police and provides reassurance to the wider community.

Who are we?

Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are members of the local community who make unannounced visits and observe, comment and report to the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) on the conditions under which people are detained in custody suites. ICVs play a valuable role in maintaining public confidence in this important area of policing and determine whether the regulations governing detention have been complied with, and the interests of detainees properly considered.

Day-to-day management of the Scheme is undertaken by a Scheme Manager within the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).

Where and when do we work?

Cambridgeshire Constabulary has two full time operational custody suites, one at Parkside in Cambridge, and one at Thorpe Wood in Peterborough. ICVs visits usually last between 1-2 hours, plus travel time and are conducted in pairs.

What do we do?

ICVs carry out checks to oversee the welfare of detainees and ensure they receive their rights and entitlements. They talk to detainees directly (with their consent) will also speak to custody staff and monitor the physical condition of custody facilities. Their findings are reported back to the Independent Custody Visiting Scheme Manager and the PCC who is responsible for making recommendations for action and improvement.

Could this be you?

Independent Custody Visitors come from all sections of the community. They must be aged over 18, reside in Cambridgeshire or Peterborough and be a resident in the UK for at least three years prior to the date of application.

No specific qualifications are required as full training and support is provided; however visitors should be good listeners, non-judgmental and unbiased. 

Whatever skills you already have you will be able to put them to use in a completely new environment.

The PCC is committed to equal opportunities in managing the Independent Custody Visiting Scheme and welcomes applications from eligible candidates irrespective of their religious belief, political opinion, gender, disability, age, race, marital status, sexuality or whether they have dependants or not.

Appropriate Adults and ICV Role 

ICVs may also act as appropriate adults. However, individuals must not switch between those roles during the course of a visit to the same police station and must declare if they have previously carried out either role with the same detainee. An individual cannot perform both roles (i.e. acting as an appropriate adult and an ICV) simultaneously for the same detainee.

Exceptions 

Independent Custody Visitors may act as an Appropriate Adult if: 

• in relation to a child, they are the parent or guardian; or 
• in relation to a vulnerable adult, they are a relative, guardian or other person responsible for their care or custody. 

How to apply to become an Independent Custody Visitor

If you would like more information about becoming an Independent Custody Visitor in Cambridgeshire or Peterborough, or for general information regarding the scheme, please email us.

ICV Person Specification

ICV Application Form

HMICFRS Inspection Report

Report on an inspection visit to police custody suites in Cambridgeshire Constabulary

Published on: 6^th August 2024

The Independent Custody Visiting Association (ICVA) 

The Independent Custody Visiting Scheme is a member of the Independent Custody Visiting Association (ICVA), which is a Home Office-funded organisation set up to support custody visiting nationwide.

The Independent Custody Visiting Association is a voluntary organisation that promotes the Independent Custody Visiting process nationally through advocacy, training, publicity and ongoing support to all involved in the process.