Independent Custody Visitor in England

The Office of the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) manages up to 40 dedicated volunteers who undertake vital duties for its Independent Custody Visiting (ICV) scheme. Representatives from the community are recruited and appointed on a geographical basis to visit the five police custody centres in Sussex (Brighton, Crawley, Eastbourne, Hastings and Worthing). Unannounced visits are made by pairs of visitors at varying times of the day and night to ensure a consistent pattern of visits. After every visit, the pair of visitors complete a written report form about their findings, which is then passed onto the ICV Scheme Manager at the Office of the Sussex PCC.

The Role & Key Responsibilities

• Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are members of the local community who volunteer to visit police custody centres unannounced to observe the treatment & welfare of people held in police custody.
• ICV recommendations can require the police to make improvements for the dignity of people detained, their rights, entitlements and welfare, together with conditions of the custody centres.
• Working as part of a local panel, they play a valuable role in maintaining public trust and confidence in this important area of policing.
• The ICV role is independent of the police and supports the police to uphold the required standards of care for people detained in line with legislation and national guidance.
• Arrange custody visits with fellow custody visitors in line with agreed rotas.
• Inform the coordinator and other colleagues of any problems or changes to the visiting rota.
• Carry out custody visits to designated police stations in line with the scheme guidelines, handbook and training.
• Check on the conditions in which a person detained is kept, their health and wellbeing, dignity, rights and entitlements, with reference to PACE code C.
• Where appropriate, consult person's custody record to clarify and review any concerns raised by the person.
• Discuss with the custody officer any concerns and requests arising from the custody visit and bring to the custody officer's attention any concern that needs to be dealt with.
• Complete the Independent Custody Visitor Report Form, ensuring that all relevant information is recorded correctly, clearly and concisely.
• Distribute copies of the Independent Custody Visitor Report Form to the appropriate people.
• Complete and submit expense claims in line with the scheme guidelines.
• Attend continuous training sessions as appropriate.
• Attend four monthly panel meetings of the Independent Custody Visitors.
• Carry out the duties of an Independent Custody Visitor with regard to the Health and Safety requirements of the custody visiting scheme.

Skills & Experience

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must live (or work) in the Sussex Police area.
• Demonstrate sufficient time and flexibility to carry out the role of custody visiting, including training and meetings as appropriate.
• Work with colleagues as part of a team to meet the Scheme’s agreed visiting programme.
• Communicate well both orally and in writing.
• Complete forms clearly and concisely.
• Communicate effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds.
• Demonstrate an independent and impartial view in relation to all parties involved in the custody visiting process.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Why Volunteer With Us?

• Make a real difference to your local community.
• Support human rights, transparency and accountability in policing.
• Meet new people and network with others.
• Learn about the Criminal Justice System.
• Develop a range of transferable skills with ongoing personal development.

Diversity Statement

We are only as good as our people. It’s important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace, and we know that as an organisation, we’ll grow from the variety of thinking, approaches, and the skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a better policing service. We strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit is open and accessible to all. We have multiple staff support groups who help to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work. We are proud members of Disability Confident, hold Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status, are a signatory of the Race at Work Charter and are aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement. We are committed to being an anti-racist police service. We promise to challenge injustice, ensure fairness and uphold anti‑racist principles in both our organisation and our communities. We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status, or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.