Independent custody visitors

This is your chance to offer protection to both detainees and the police, reassurance to the community at large and gain an insight into the criminal justice system by checking on the treatment of people in police custody, the conditions in which they are held, and that their rights and entitlements are being observed.

Visiting a custody centre can take between half an hour to two hours. ICVs always visit in pairs in accordance with the roster and agree themselves the start time of the visit which can be morning, day or night. Visitors are escorted during the visit by a member of the custody centre.

Custody centres  include Exeter, Torquay, Plymouth, Barnstaple, Newquay and Camborne. ICVs generally visit their closest two stations. All out of pocket expenses including the cost of travel are paid.

The Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) is a major reference for ICVs as well as equality, diversity and human rights legislation. Full training will be provided, and your first visits as you learn will be with experienced visitors. Further training is provided to increase understanding of the diverse and challenging circumstances that arise in this voluntary position and keep your knowledge up to date.

Read Bill's experience of being an independent custody visitor >

In May 2022 we completed a phase of recruitment and are not currently inviting new applications. There is a sample aplication can which you can view here.

When we recruit, this is via the OPCC website, social media as well as Devon and Cornwall Alert - you can register for this via the Devon and Cornwall police website: https://alerts.dc.police.uk

You will need to demonstrate:

• An understanding of the role of an Independent custody visitor;
• Commitment to the role;
• Respect for and understanding of equality, diversity and human rights;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Impartiality.

If you are successful at interview, you will be asked to go through relevant security checks. You will be issued with an official identity card, which you use when visiting.

Following clearance, you will be invited to attend a familiarisation visit to custody, and Induction training, organised by the coordinator of the scheme.

The training programme covers all aspects of custody visiting and is complemented by a set of guidelines and the basic principles of the PACE. Further training will be arranged to keep you informed on new developments and to share experiences.

Once appointed, you will develop your experience as you visit. You will be accompanied each time you visit by an experienced visitor and receive support from the scheme manager.  When you have the necessary skills and knowledge, your probation will be reviewed, and your appointment confirmed for a set period. Further training will take place during your time as an ICV including mandatory equality, diversity and human rights training.

Other helpful information:

• Code of Practice on Independent Custody Visiting

Please contact us by email at opcc@dc-pcc.gov.uk if you have any further queries.

ICVs must maintain their impartiality. They do not take sides but look, listen and report accurately on what they find in the custody centres. On arrival at the police station, the ICVs will be escorted to the custody centre. The detainees will be identified by their custody numbers only and strict rules of confidentiality apply.

Conversation with detainees will focus on whether or not they have been offered their rights and entitlements under PACE. Interviews with detainees are, for the ICV’s protection, normally carried out within sight, but out of hearing of the escorting officer. Immediate areas of concern will be raised by ICVs with the custody officer, at the time of the visit and any necessary action taken.

ICVs must treat the details of what they see and hear on their visit as confidential. They are expected to report their findings in general terms to the OPCC at appropriate times. ICVs are expected to attend volunteer meetings, which provide an opportunity to provide feedback to the police, share experience and take part in training. These meetings are usually held once a quarter.

Information based on the most recent Equality Monitoring Survey of ICV's 

 You can find further information about ICVs through the below links:

• Independent Custody Visiting Association
• Home Office Code of Practice on Independent Custody Visiting
• Independent Custody Visitor Guidance document