Why become an ICV?
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 >