Independent Custody Visiting Scheme

Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are volunteers from the local community who, as part of a team, make unannounced visits to police stations to check on the rights, wellbeing and treatment of people being held in policy custody.

ICVs visit in pairs and speak directly to detainees (with their consent) to find out how they have been treated and whether they have been able to access their rights and entitlements. ICVs also speak to custody staff, and look at the physical condition of the custody suites.

ICVs share the findings from their visits with the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) who uses them to hold the police to account.

To be an ICV, you must be at least 18 years old, must be living, working or studying within the police area, and have been resident in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the date of application. ICVs are people who have an interest in human rights, are passionate about protecting vulnerable people and have good listening and observing skills.

The ICV scheme runs a rolling recruitment program for volunteers, and run a waiting list where necessary. We are currently recruiting for ICVs who are able to visit at Parkside Police station in Cambridge City Centre.

If you would like to join Cambridgeshire & Peterborough’s Independent Custody Visiting Scheme, please read the “Information for applicants” document and complete an application form which can both be found on this page.

For more information you can also contact the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and ask to speak to the ICV Scheme manager – Email: cambs-pcc@cambs.police.uk

The Covid-19 pandemic has had an impact on the ICV Scheme. The scheme continues to regularly speak directly to detainees and we are currently conducting a mixture of physical and remote visits to custody to ensure continued oversight of this important area of business. The scheme continues adapt to the changing landscape, aiming to learn from the experience and ultimately use it to improve our policies and procedures.

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