Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs)

ICV recommendations can require the police to make improvements for the welfare of detainees. Therefore, they play a valuable role in maintaining public confidence in this important area of policing.

ICVs are members of the local community who volunteer to check on the welfare of people detained in police custody. They are completely independent.

Independent Custody Visitor guidance document

Additional information about the Independent Custody Visitor role can be found in this guidance document.

Annual report

Read the latest annual report from the Independent Custody Visitors.

Volunteer spotlight

Why did you want to be a volunteer?

When I retired, I wanted to remain mentally active and be involved in something different from the work I had done in my career.

I also recognised that interaction with people had been an important and enjoyable feature in my life and volunteering presented an opportunity for me to maintain this.

Why did you want to volunteer as an Independent Custody Visitor?

The ICV role involves dealing with people who are in custody and in many cases have complex lives and personal difficulties. In addition, the interaction with the Police and Detention Officers requires good communication skills, tact and resilience. I believe that I have developed through professional, and life experiences the ability to deal with such challenging situations. This was an opportunity to use those skills and experiences.

What do you like most about the ICV role?

You never complete the ICV role alone. The team of 12 volunteers visit each of the Custody Suite locations – Runcorn, Middlewich and Blacon. Each of these volunteers come from different backgrounds, and this mix of experience results rewarding and enjoyable interaction experiences with people.

Visits are always carried out in pairs on a rota basis resulting in visits with different people. Visits can be arranged at the ICV’s convenience and typically take an hour to complete. So it is not time consuming. Initial training is provided and additional training is provided if and when needed. I have always found that working in pairs to be a positive experience with that help and support of a partner.

On a personal level, the interaction with detainees gives me a sense of satisfaction in that I may have helped someone deal with, the most traumatic experience in their lives.

The assurance given to the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Police from my observations is also a positive aspect from a personal satisfaction perspective.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a volunteer and applying for this role?

This is a great opportunity to do something different, interesting and rewarding. If you work, it will give you a change from the day to day work. If you don’t work it will provide an activity to enhance your life, using your valuable skills and experience. I would encourage anyone to give it a try!

(Ian)

Why did you want to be a volunteer?

I decided to volunteer for this role after seeing it advertised on a local community network. I had decided to volunteer a while before securing this role but couldn’t find anything that I felt I would find a bit challenging and that would be flexible around my own commitments. I didn’t want to commit to a particular day or time each week because my personal life didn’t allow that type of structure at the time.

Why did you want to volunteer as an Independent Custody Visitor?

The flexibility of the role is important for me, being able to work within a structure that is also very flexible and very well supported by other ICV’s.  I do know from chatting to other colleagues that this flexibility was also attractive to them in their decision to volunteer. The other part of the role that I find engaging are the regular meetings and ongoing training. These events are a gentle reminder that I am valued as a volunteer and worth the investment the scheme offers me.

What do you like most about the ICV role?

Having met new colleagues and indeed, new friends in the role, I have expanded my skills, broadened my awareness and gained valuable and useful competencies that enhance my daily work and my personal life. Whilst I am sure that like me, many people give to charities locally and nationally to support communities and worthy causes, there is something very different and satisfying about being able to give something back and see it happening. It goes a long way to contributing to my own good mental health, knowing that I can do something positive to help influence improvements and compliance in this sector.

I also know that this role isn’t for everyone and not everyone is suitable for this role….I’m quite proud to be able to say that I have been accepted for the role and enjoy the interaction with colleagues, police and detainees….the experiences can be quite humbling and teach us a lot about life.

I have forged some great relationships in this role, and I hope I have enhanced the excellent relationships that were already in place.  For me, every day is a school day… I learn on every visit and will hopefully continue to do so.

(Marie)

Would you like to get involved?