Independent Custody Visiting

The Independent Custody Visiting (ICV) Scheme monitors conditions in police custody to provide transparency and increase public confidence in police services while offering protection and confidentiality to detainees and the police.

An ICV visits police stations to inspect the upholding of detainee rights, wellbeing and health as well as auditing the condition of custody suites.



Hertfordshire has two custody suites situated in Hatfield and Stevenage.

ICVs are scheduled to visit unannounced in pairs twice a week, during the day or night, seven days a week.

Each volunteer is expected to carry out eight visits per annum (minimum of four visits) to designated police stations and attend twice-yearly panel meetings to discuss key issues raised.

During the visit, ICVs complete a number of checks, speaking to both custody staff and detainees and file a report based on their findings.

ICVs undertake a comprehensive application process, consisting of an application form and interview.

All ICVs are vetted and fully trained on an on-going basis. there is also the opportunity to attend annual regional and some national conferences.

 

How to Apply

If you are interested in volunteering.
If you care about the wellbeing and rights of people in custody.
If you can commit just a few hours per month around work or study.
Then we are always interested to hear from suitable individuals of all ages and backgrounds interested in becomming an Independent Custody Visitor.

Please read through the information leaflet, job description and person specification documents below and if you feel you match the visitor profile, complete an application form, sign and return it to the address below. Please email pccadmin@herts.pcc.pnn.gov.uk with any questions.

Information leaflet

Job Description and Person Specification

Application Form 


Send completed forms to:
ICV Administrator
Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire
Harpenden Police Station
15 Vaughan Road
Harpenden
Hertfordshire
AL5 4GZ

or via email to: pccadmin@herts-pcc.gov.uk


In order to remain independent visitors must have no direct involvement in the criminal justice system.Magistrates, serving police officers, special constables and probation officers are not allowed to become visitors.

Other professions may also be excluded.Visitors are also asked to declare any previous criminal convictions. However, a conviction does not mean an automatic disqualification from becoming a visitor. Each application is considered on a case by case basis.

If you have any further questions please contact the administration team.
 

Annual Reports and Inspections

The Commissioner publishes an annual report about the Independent Custody Visiting Scheme. The report contains information about the organisation of the scheme as well as key findings from visits.

Click on the link below to view the latest annual report.
Independent Custody Visiting Annual Report 2020 - 2021
Independent Custody Visiting Annual Report 2019 - 2020
Independent Custody Visiting Annual Report 2018 - 2019
Independent Custody Visiting Annual Report 2017 - 2018
Independent Custody Visiting Annual Report 2016 - 2017
Independent Custody Visiting Annual Report 2015 - 2016
Independent Custody Visiting Annual Report 2014 - 2015
 
Independent Custody Visiting Annual Report 2013 - 2014
Independent Custody Visiting Annual Report 2012 - 2013


Custody suites are also inspected by Her Majesty's Inspector of Prisons (HMIP) and Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS). The most recent inspection report is below.

HMIP / HMICFRS Inspection Report 2015