Independent Custody Visitor - Sussex Police Custody

The Office of the Sussex 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 - Independent Custody Visitor Scheme (ICV)

What is an ICV?

Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are members of the local community who volunteer to visit police stations unannounced to check on the treatment & welfare of people held in police custody. ICV recommendations can require the police to make improvements for the welfare of detainees. Working as part of a local panel, they play a valuable role in maintaining public confidence in this important area of policing by making sure that detainees are treated well.

Key Responsibilities

1. To arrange custody visits with fellow custody visitors, in line with agreed rotas.

2. To keep the Coordinator & fellow custody visitors informed of any problems or changes to the visiting rota.

3. To carry out custody visits to designated police stations in line with the scheme guidelines, handbook & training.

4. To check on the conditions in which a detainee is kept, their health & wellbeing & their legal rights & entitlements, with reference to PACE code C.

5. Where appropriate to consult the detainee's custody record to clarify & check any concerns raised by the detainee.

6. To discuss with the custody officer any concerns & requests arising from the custody visit & bring to the custody officer's attention any issue that needs to be dealt with.

7. To complete the Independent Custody Visitor Report Form, ensuring that all relevant information is recorded correctly, clearly & concisely.

8. To distribute copies of the Independent Custody Visitor Report Form to the appropriate people.

9. To complete & submit expense claims in line with the scheme guidelines.

10. To attend continuous training sessions as appropriate.

11. To attend 6 monthly panel meetings of the Independent Custody Visitors.

12. To carry out the duties of an Independent Custody Visitor with regard to the Health & Safety requirements of the custody visiting scheme.

Apply for the role

If you have any questions about the role, please make an enquiry and we will put you in touch with the scheme manager.

What skills do I need?

Essential Criteria;

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must live (or work) in the Sussex Police area.
• To demonstrate sufficient time and flexibility to carry out the role of custody visiting.
• To work with colleagues as part of a team to meet the Scheme’s agreed visiting programme.
• To be able to communicate well both orally and in writing.
• To demonstrate the ability to complete forms clearly and concisely.
• To be able to communicate effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds.
• To demonstrate an independent and impartial view in relation to all parties involved in the custody visiting process.
• To be able to maintain confidentiality.