Custody Visiting

Independent Custody Visiting is a scheme run by Hampshire Police Authority to ensure those in custody are treated fairly. More information about the scheme can be found by reading our frequently asked questions

What is Custody Visiting?
When was the Scheme introduced and why?
Why is the Scheme important?
Who runs the Scheme?
Who can become a Visitor?
How much of my time would it take up?
What is a Panel?
Which geographic areas do the panels cover, which custody suites do the panels cover?
Will I get paid/ what does it cost?
What happens on a visit?
Do I need to write reports?
How does it influence the Constabulary?
What does the Constabulary do about ICV findings?
What gets reported to the Police Authority?
How do I apply to become a Custody Visitor?

What is Custody Visiting?

Under the Police Reform Act 2002, all police authorities are required to run a custody visiting scheme. Custody Visitors are trained volunteer members of the public who visit police custody suites and speak to people held in custody to ensure they have been fairly treated in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act. A record of each visit is made and any follow up action taken is also recorded. During 2008, 67 Custody Visitors working in four teams made 350 visits to police stations throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

When was the Scheme introduced and why?

Hampshire has had a scheme in place since 1986. Custody visiting was introduced following a period of civil disorder in 1981. In some major cities across the UK hundreds of young people attacked property and police in protest about oppressive policing and alleged harassment of young black people. This indicated a lack of trust in law and order authorities and so custody visiting was established to increase public confidence in the police.

Why is the Scheme important?

It independently checks on the welfare of detainees at a time when they may be feeling vulnerable or confused and gives the public reassurance that detainees are treated fairly. Custody Visitors are encouraged to deal with matters of a more minor nature during the visit but more serious matters are forwarded to the Police Authority. Custody Visitors play a very important role and the Authority is grateful for their continuing involvement and contribution.

Who runs the Scheme?

The operation of the scheme is the responsibility of the Police Authority, and is managed by the Scheme Administrator. The Police Authority, in consultation with the Chief Constable, has the final responsibility in all matters relating to the operation of the Scheme.

Who can become a Visitor?

Visitors come from all sections of the community. They must be more than 18 years old and reside in Hampshire or the Isle of Wight. No special skills are required as full training and support is provided, however Custody Visitors should be good listeners, non-judgemental, unprejudiced and generally have an interest in the community and the welfare of the people detained in police cells.

After a probationary period of six months, Custody Visitors are appointed for a further two and a half years.

Serving or former police officers, special constables and members of the Probation Service are not eligible to become custody visitors. This is to prevent a potential conflict of interest for the individual and to maintain the independence of the Scheme as a whole.

For more details, download the person specification.

How much of my time would it take up?

You will be required to attend an initial one day training event. Thereafter you will be required to make a minimum of eight visits per year. Visits may be made at any time of the day or night according to a rota system. The length of each visit depends on how many people are in custody at the time and how many detainees wish to see the visitors. The Police Authority also organises other training opportunities including an annual seminar which provides an opportunity for visitors from across the two counties to meet and learn more about this important area of the Authority's work. The visitors are co-ordinated by one of four regional convenors, who also hold quarterly meetings to discuss local arrangements and share best practice.

For more details on the role, download the role description Microsoft Word 34kb

What is a Panel?

The scheme in Hampshire is divided into four panels and visitors are allocated to a panel depending on where they live. Each panel has a convenor who is appointed from within the panel that organises the rota of visits and panel meetings.

Which geographic areas do the panels cover, which custody suites do the panels cover?

The four panels in Hampshire are the Isle of Wight, North, South East and South West.

The police stations each Panel covers are as follows:

Isle of Wight – Newport and Ryde
North – Aldershot, Alton, Andover, Basingstoke, Farnborough and Winchester
South East – Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Portsmouth and Waterlooville
South West – Bitterne, Eastleigh, Lymington, Lyndhurst, Southampton and St Mary’s football stadium

Will I get paid/ what does it cost?

Custody visitors are volunteers and therefore do not get paid. However, all travel expenses incurred are reimbursed by Hampshire Police Authority.

What happens on a visit?

Visits are always conducted in pairs. The custody officer or a member of the custody staff accompanies visitors during the visit, but should normally remain out of hearing during discussions between visitors and detainees. The visitors conduct a short interview with the detainee, asking about their treatment whilst in custody. Visitors are also allowed to inspect the other parts of the custody suite including the kitchen, medical room and washing facilities.

Do I need to write reports?

During the visit, visitors jointly complete a form to report back on their findings, including comments from detainees on their treatment, and concerns raised by the visitors.

How does it influence the Constabulary?

The scheme provides an opportunity for the Constabulary to make improvements to the way they operate in custody in response to observations made from the independent view-point of Custody Visitors.

What does the Constabulary do about ICV findings?

Serious concerns raised by visitors are quickly reported back to the Force Custody Manager. The concerns are investigated and actioned where necessary. The outcome is reported back to visitors at panel meetings.

What gets reported to the Police Authority?

Reports are presented to the Police Authority twice yearly to update them on the performance of the scheme and to inform of any serious concerns that has been reported to the Constabulary.

How do I apply to become a Custody Visitor?

If you would like any further information about becoming a custody visitor in Hampshire or the Isle of Wight, please contact us. If you are ready to apply to become a custody visitor, download the application form and the equal opportunities form. Both of these can be emailed or posted to us.