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Our role
Our role
Alison Hernandez is the directly elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and employs a team of specialists to deliver the requirements of the role and office.
Plan and performance
Plan and performance
In this section you can find copies of the Police and Crime Plan, get information about how we are progressing with the Plan and find out how Devon and Cornwall Police are performing against the priorities set.
Our information
Our information
Here you can find all of the statutory information we publish as a public sector organisation as well as instructions on how to submit a Freedom of Information request and disclosure log of previous requests.
News
News
Keep up to date with what Alison Hernandez is doing to make Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly safer. Here you can find news articles, blogs, videos, images and audio in our multimedia section along with our regular newsletters.
Meetings and events
Meetings and events
We're committed to involving as many people as possible in our work. Here you can find more information about volunteering, our approach to community engagement as well as how you can report your concerns and take part in consultations.
Victims information
Victims information
In April 2015 the police and crime commissioner took responsibility for the provision of victims services. Since 2021 the Victim Support is commissioned to deliver services to victims of crime.
Join us
Join us
There are lots of people of all different ages, offering their services to the Devon and Cornwall's policing family as volunteers. Special Constables, cadets, independent custody volunteers, all play their part in keeping our communities safe and protecting victims.
Election information
Election information
- Information for PCC candidates

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Home Join us Independent custody visitorsWhat happens during a visit?

What happens during a visit?

Visitors arrive unannounced in a pair at the police station. ICVs enter the custody centre where they will be escorted. Visitors decide which detainees to visit. The detainees will be identified by their custody numbers only and strict rules of confidentiality apply. ICVs must maintain their impartiality. They do not take sides but look, listen and report accurately on what they find using a structured checklist.

Visits are conducted with each detained person’s consent. Priority is given to visiting children and vulnerable people. The checks focus on if the detained person has been offered their rights, entitlements, and welfare and an appraisal of conditions of detention. Immediate areas of concern will be raised by visitors with the custody officer at the time of the visit and any necessary action taken.

A straightforward report is completed after each visit. Copies of the reports are given to the local custody inspector and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Custody visit reports are an essential element of the Commissioner’s scrutiny of police custody management. Any areas for action are highlighted for further action.