Keep up to date with what we are doingIndependent Custody Visiting
What is Independent Custody Visiting?
Under the Police Reform Act 2002, all police authorities have a statutory duty to establish and maintain an Independent Custody Visiting Scheme, which involves volunteer members of the public visiting police custody facilities and checking on the welfare of detainees and the physical conditions of the cells.
Norfolk has had a Scheme in place since 1998 and there are four designated Panels ensuring visits are undertaken at all of the county's custody facilities. Day-to-day management of the Scheme is undertaken by a Scheme Administrator within the Norfolk Police Authority Chief Executive's office.
What is the purpose of Independent Custody Visiting?
The purpose of Independent Custody Visiting is to:
- Provide independent scrutiny of the treatment of detained persons and the conditions in which they are held;
- Secure a greater understanding and confidence within the local community in respect of the above.
What is the role of an Independent Custody Visitor?
Independent Custody Visitors are members of the local community who, working in pairs, call at police stations unannounced at any time. With agreement, the visitors can speak to detainees about their treatment or conditions, and take up any issues of concern with custody staff. A short report of their findings is made prior to leaving the station. Their work provides the Authority (and in turn the local community) with assurance that anyone arrested by the police and held in custody is treated fairly and has access to appropriate facilities.
For more information on the requirements of the role, please refer to our leaflet promoting the scheme or review the Custody Visitor Role Profile at the bottom of this page.
Who can become an Independent Custody Visitor?
Independent Custody Visitors come from all sections of the community. They must be aged over 18, reside in Norfolk and be a resident in the UK for at least two years prior to the date of application. No special qualifications are required as full training and support is provided, however Visitors should be good listeners, non-judgmental and unbiased.
For more information on the personal qualities required to perform the role, please see the Independent Custody Visitor Person Specification at the bottom of this page.
Appointing Independent Custody Visitors
Independent Custody Visitors must be independent and impartial and, when making appointments, care is taken to avoid any potential conflict of interest. Serving police officers and other serving members of Constabulary or Police Authority staff are unsuitable for this reason. The same applies to Special Constables, Justices of the Peace (JPs), Members of the Police Authority and others connected with the criminal justice system.
After an initial probationary period of six months, Independent Custody Visitors are appointed for up to a further three years (as a review of all appointments to the Scheme is undertaken once every three years).
How to apply to become an Independent Custody Visitor
If you would like to apply to become an Independent Custody Visitor, please complete the Independent Custody Visitor Application Form, and the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (all available in Independent Custody Visiting Information section at the bottom of this page). These will need to be printed and returned by post as the application form must be signed by hand.
Associated guidance to assist with the completion of the application form is also available - see Application Guidance Notes.
If you would like more information about becoming an Independent Custody Visitor in Norfolk, or for general information regarding the Scheme, please contact the ICV Scheme Administrator, Norfolk Police Authority, Jubilee House, Falconers Chase, Wymondham, Norfolk, NR18 0WW, telephone 01953 424455 or email policeauthority@norfolk.pnn.police.uk.
The Independent Custody Visiting Association (ICVA)
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. The Association can be visited at www.icva.org.uk- Custody Visiting Information
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- A Day in the Life of an Independent Custody Visitor
- Custody Visitors Annual Report 2010/11
The annual report on the work of Norfolk Police Authority’s Independent Custody Visiting Scheme has now been published; and provides a valuable opportunity to inform and reassure the local community about how people are treated whilst in police custody.
- Custody Visitors Get Acquainted with New PICs
Norfolk’s Independent Custody Visitors are working hard to familiarise themselves with the new custody facilities being rolled out as a result of a collaborative project between Norfolk and Suffolk Police Authorities/Constabularies.
- Independent Custody Visitor Role Profile
- Independent Custody Visitor Person Specification
- Independent Custody Visitor Application Form
- Independent Custody Visitor Application Guidance Notes
- Independent Custody Visitor Recruitment Monitoring Form
- Independent Custody Visiting Poster
- Independent Custody Visitor Information Leaflet
- Through the Eyes of an Independent Custody Visitor
