Independent Custody Visitors

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  1. Who are independent custody visitors?
  2. How are independent custody visitors selected and trained?
  3. When and where are visits made?
  4. What happens when independent custody visitors make a visit?
  5. Reporting procedures
  6. Custody Visiting Guidelines

 

1. Who are independent custody visitors?
Independent custody visitors are members of the local community who visit police stations unannounced to check on the treatment of detainees and the conditions in which they are held and that their rights and entitlements are being observed. Subject to certain exceptions anyone is eligible to apply for appointment as a custody visitor. There are approximately 60 Independent Custody Visitors in the Authority area.

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2. How are independent custody visitors selected and trained?
Volunteers wishing to become independent custody visitors need to complete an application form which is returned to the Central Scheme Administrator.  A shortlisting and interview process is undertaken and successful applicants need to attend a one day induction training session.  Ongoing relevant training is also provided.

3. When and where are visits made?
Independent custody visitors visit police stations in pairs. The actual timing of visits is entirely a matter for independent custody visitors, but should be random and unannounced. Exeter, Barnstaple, Torquay, Plymouth,  Camborne, Newquay and Launceston Police Stations are visited at least 3 times a month by different pairs of custody visitors. A further 9 police stations are visited twice a year.

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4. What happens when independent custody visitors make a visit?
Independent custody visitors must maintain their independence and impartiality. They do not take sides but look, listen and report on what they find in the custody unit. On arrival at the police station, independent custody visitors will be escorted to the custody area. The detainees will be identified by their custody numbers and strict rules of confidentiality will apply.


5. Reporting procedures
A report is completed after each visit. It provides an insight into the running of the custody area at the time of the visit. Copies of the reports are provided for the police and the Police Authority. Appropriate action will be taken to address any matter identified during a custody visit.

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6. Custody Visiting Guidelines and Annual Reports

  1. PDF icon

    Annual Report 2009
    Size = 2.75 MB

  2. PDF icon

    Independent Custody Visting Bi-annual Report 2009
    Size = 1.06 MB

  3. PDF icon

    Download the Custody Visiting Guidelines
    Size = 1.05 MB

  4. PDF icon

    Download the Independent Custody Visiting Annual Report 2008
    Size = 7.70 MB

  5. PDF icon

    Download the Independent Custody Visiting Annual Report 2007
    Size = 7.70 MB

  6. PDF icon

    Download the Independent Custody Visiting Annual Report 2006

  7. PDF icon

    Download the Independent Custody Visiting Annual Report 2005

  8. PDF icon

    Independent Custody Visiting an Introduction Leaflet


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Are you interested in becoming a custody visitor? Use this online form to contact us directly.

 

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