Independent Custody Visitors (HVC-1844)

Independent custody visitors ( ICV's) are members of the local community who volunteer to visit police stations unannounced to check on the treatment and welfare of people held in police custody.

Their recommendations can require the police to make improvements for the welfare of detainees. 

They play a valuable role in maintaining public confidence in this important area of policing.

The Independent Custody Visitors work as part of a local panel and help MOPAC, which oversees custody visiting in London, to make sure that detainees are treated well.  

ICV's are escorted by a custody officer or a dedicated detention officer at all times, they are there to look, listen and report on conditions in custody at the time of their visit. One visit per month is required of ICV's.

After every visit, custody visitors fill out an online report form outlining the details of the visit. The form contains all the information about the visit,  including details of any problems that were resolved immediately and those that need further action.

Description of the role:

• To arrange visits with fellow visitors in line with agreed rota
• To keep the MOPAC coordinator and fellow custody visitors informed of any problems with scheduled custody visits.
• To carry  our custody visits to designated police stations in line with London ICV Scheme guidelines and training
• To check on the health and well being  of detainees, their legal rights and entitlements
• Where appropriate consult the detainee's custody record to clarify any concerns raised by detainee
• To discuss with the custody office any concerns or requests arising from visit
• To complete the ICV visit report form, ensuring all information is recorded correctly
• To distribute copies of the visitor report form to the appropriate people
• To attend IVC panel meetings
• To attend on-going training as appropriate
• To carry out the duties of an Independent Custody Visitor as set out in the Health and Safety requirements  of the London ICV scheme 
• To carry out the duties of an Independent Custody Visitor as set out in the London ICV scheme handbook

What skills do I need?

You will enjoy working as part of a team, be flexible, reliable and have enough time to carry out this role.  

You will be a good listener,  objective, impartial, non-judgemental and able to constructively challenge when necessary.

You will be able to communicate well, both verbally and in writing and with a diverse range of people and have a knowledge and awareness of diversity and equality issues.

You will be able to travel by Public/Private Transport to undertake visits within the London area.

You must have resided in the UK for the past 3 years

You will be able to maintain confidentiality in relation to detainees and custody visits.

Successful applicants to the scheme will be given training in all aspects of an ICV's role and responsibilities, and must undertake a 6 month probationary period

When do I need to be available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Details

Successful applicants will need to attend an initial training course to prepare them for the role, and complete a six-month probationary period in order to be fully accredited.