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- Influencing Policing
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- Independent Custody Visiting
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What is Independent Custody Visiting?
Under the Police Reform Act 2002, all police authorities are required to run a custody visiting scheme. The schemes give appointed members of the public opportunities to observe and report on the conditions under which people are detained in police stations and to provide an independent check on the way police officers carry out their duties with regard to detainees. Custody Visitors play a very important role and the Authority is grateful for their continuing involvement and contribution.
Why is the Scheme Important?
Custody Visitors independently check on the welfare of detainees at a time when they may be feeling vulnerable or confused and therefore give the public reassurance that detainees are treated fairly. Custody Visitors are trained to review custody records and talk to detainees to assess that they are being correctly treated. Custody Visitors also look at issues such as cleanliness and maintenance of custody suites. During each visit a visiting report form is produced by the visitors and forwarded to the Police Authority and to custody managers.
Who runs the Scheme?
The operation of the scheme is the responsibility of the Police Authority. Visits are carried out to Custody Suites in Bedford, Dunstable and Luton.
Who can become a Custody Visitor?
Visitors come from all sections of the community. They must be over 18 years of age. No special skills are required as full training and support is provided, however Custody Visitors should be good listeners, non-judgemental, unprejudiced and generally have an interest in the community and the welfare of the people detained in police cells.
Visitors must have no direct involvement in the justice system i.e. magistrates, serving police officers or special constables and probation officers are excluded. Other professions such as solicitors may also be excluded. This is to prevent possible conflicts of interest for the individual, and to maintain the independence of the Scheme.
Visitors are asked to declare any previous criminal convictions but this will not necessarily debar you from becoming a visitor. Each application will be considered on its individual merits.
What is involved?
Visitors always work in pairs and are escorted by a member of the custody staff; however custody staff will remain out of hearing during discussions between visitors and detainees. Visitors conduct a short interview with the detainee, asking about their treatment whilst in custody. Visitors also inspect other parts of the custody suite including the kitchen, medical room and washing facilities. A visiting report form is completed during the visit and any concerns are discussed with the Custody Officer.
Each custody suite should be visited at least 4 times each month. Visits are unannounced and the day and timing of the visit is up to the visitors taking part.
Custody Visitors are volunteers and therefore do not get paid. However, all travel expenses incurred are reimbursed by Bedfordshire Police Authority.
Bedfordshire Police Authority is currently not recruiting Independent Custody Visitors
If you wish to register your interest in the scheme for future recruitment please contact:
Pat Brown,
Independent Custody Visitors Scheme Administrator
Bedfordshire Police Authority,
PA, Bridgebury House, Woburn Road,
Kempston,Bedfordshire MK43 9AX
Tel: 01234 842067
Email: pat.brown@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk
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link to Independent Custody Visiting Scheme library documents