Custody visiting

Who are independent custody visitors?

Independent custody visitors are members of the local community who visit police stations unannounced to check on the welfare of people in police custody. They come from a variety of backgrounds and sections of the community. They must be over 18 and have no direct involvement in the criminal justice system.

How are independent custody visitors selected and trained?

Custody visitors are volunteers from the community. Vacancies are advertised through local press and on the Police Authority website when they arise. Applicants are inteviewed and if sucessful, will attend an introductory training course.

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. Independent custody visitors will normally only visit those police stations within their local area.

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. Interviews with detainees are, for independent custody visitors' protection, normally carried out within sight, but out of hearing of the escorting officer.

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, police authorities, independent custody visitors and the Home Office. They provide a vital source of information on the environmental and welfare conditions in which detainees are held. The information is analysed and areas for action are highlighted.