Under this scheme, trained volunteers from the local community (Independent Custody Visitors or ICVs) managed by the OPCC, make unannounced weekly visits to police custody suites across Cheshire to check on the rights, entitlements, wellbeing and dignity of the detainees held there. Their findings are then reported to the Police and Crime Commissioner.
The Independent Custody Visiting Association (ICVA) – the national membership organisation that supports, leads and represents these schemes – has developed a quality assurance framework to assess how well schemes comply with the code of practice that governs custody visiting.
This is the third year that schemes have been assessed under the framework and have been able to gain quality assurance awards to recognise the value of their work. Cheshire OPCC’s scheme voluntarily goes through the quality assurance process and this year has progressed from compliant to being awarded silver by ICVA at a ceremony in London.
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our volunteer Independent Custody Visitors, who give their time to provide vital, independent scrutiny of police detention.
“Their unannounced visits help ensure that detainees are treated fairly, with dignity and respect, while also strengthening transparency, accountability and public confidence in policing.
“I’d like to thank all of our volunteers and the team who support the scheme for their commitment to maintaining high standards of custody visiting across Cheshire. This award reflects the positive impact of their work and our ongoing commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of those held in police custody.”
Dan Price, Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner
“Once again, these awards show the value and importance of independent custody visiting, with even more schemes being awarded the top ‘platinum’ grading. This also reflects the crucial work that ICVA does, in providing support and training for volunteers and schemes across the country.”
Dame Anne Owers, Chair of ICVA
“The Quality Assurance Framework represents a significant and growing commitment from schemes to ensure that independent custody visiting is regularly reviewed, improvements are made where needed, and excellent practice is shared. This year, we have also strengthened our approach by introducing a greater focus on volunteer voices, ensuring that the experiences and perspectives of Independent Custody Visitors are embedded within schemes and reflected in assessments, particularly at the higher levels of the framework. I congratulate schemes on their accomplishments and thank them for their continued dedication and commitment.”
Sherry Ralph, Chief Executive at ICVA
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