Independent Custody Visitor (ICVs)

Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are members of the public recruited by the Police Authority to visit police stations at random to check on the treatment of people held in custody by the police.

ICVs work with a partner and arrive unannounced at police stations. The police must give them immediate access to the custody area, cells, detention rooms and charge rooms.

Their job is to speak to the person in custody and inspect the conditions in which they are being held. After the visit they prepare a report, a copy of which goes to the constabulary and is reported to the Authority's Professional Standards and Citizen Focus Committee.

If the ICVs find anything wrong, they try to resolve the situation straight away by talking to the duty Inspector. If it cannot be resolved then the duty Inspector will explain what action will be taken, and when. Good communication is essential in this role and regular meetings are held between the ICVs, the Constabulary and the Authority with regular training given to ICVs to help them with their role.

Custody Visitor Scheme (158Kb)