Independent Custody Visitors

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Independent custody visiting to police custody suites owes its origins to Lord Scarman, whose report on the Brixton riots in 1981 recommended a system of independent, unannounced inspection of procedures and detention in police stations by local community members.

Today, Independent Custody Visitors (ICV’s) offer an extra level of protection to detained persons by providing independent scrutiny of their treatment and the conditions in which they are held. By giving approved members of the local community an opportunity to observe, comment and report on these matters, the OPCC hopes to reassure the community, improve citizens' understanding of procedures at police stations and strengthen their confidence that these are being properly applied.

The Police and Crime Commissioner has overall responsibility for overseeing the maintenance and operation of an effective Independent Custody Visiting Scheme for Wiltshire.

For more information on what being an independent Custody Visitor entails please visit About ICVA (The Independent Custody Visitors Association)

If you would like more information on ICVs, please contact Katherine Eddie on [email protected] who will be more than willing to discuss this with you further.

Find out more about volunteering as an ICV

Subject to some exceptions, any person aged eighteen or over who has had permanent residence within the UK for at least two years and who resides or is working within Wiltshire may apply to become an ICV.

If you are interested in the treatment of people during their interactions with police whilst in custody and committed to giving an objective and constructive review of police work, then you would enjoy this opportunity.

We are particularly keen to recruit younger members and those from diverse backgrounds. Every visit helps us understand how policing affects individuals and communities and helps ensure that the treatment of individuals in custody meets the required standards.

ICV’s are given guidance and training to assist them in understanding the demands and requirements placed on officers in this testing area of policing. However, we do not require experts in police practice.

The ‘feel’ of an interaction, the attitude of police and the equal treatment of people are also important, alongside knowledge of legislation, process and policy. The OPCC provides regular training for all ICV’s and can signpost to further learning material to any ICV that wishes to develop further understanding.

Wiltshire Police have 2 custody suites: Gablecross Police Station in Swindon and Melksham Police Station.

Each custody suite is scrutinised by a team of ICV’s, who work in pairs when visiting. Each pair will be sent a rota identifying a range of dates, usually seven consecutive days, within which they should arrange to visit the station.

Their report is shared with the Scheme Manager and Coordinator, any issues or concerns are shared directly and immediately with custody staff to allow for a quick response.

You must commit to engage with the training package provided by the OPCC and undertake a period of probation.

Applicants must be independent persons of good character who are able to make informed judgements in which the community can have confidence and which the Police will accept as fair criticism when it is justified.

Promoting equality and diversity is a principal element of the work of the Office of the PCC (OPCC). As representatives of the PCC, ICVs are expected to carry out their role in accordance with these principals.

If you are interested in applying to become an ICV, please apply using the application form which can be found here.

ICV Application Form.pdf

Alternatively if you wish to have an informal chat about the role please contact the ICV Team on [email protected]

Here are the key criteria that apply to the Independent Custody Visitor role. The criteria are split into what is essential and what is desirable and sets out how this will be measured. If applying for the role of ICV, you should bear in mind the criteria, which will be assessed as part of the recruitment process.

You can download this information as a Word Document here
Person Specification for Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) OPCC Wiltshire and Swindon Volunteers.doc

ESSENTIAL	MEASURED BY
Must be at least 18 years old and be living or working within the Police Authority area.	Application
Must have been resident in the United Kingdom for at least two years prior to the date of application.	Application
Be able to demonstrate sufficient time and flexibility to carry out the role of custody visiting.	Interview
Be able to work with colleagues as part of a team to meet the requirements of the visiting programme.	Interview
Be able to communicate well, both orally and in writing.	Application / Interview
Be able to communicate effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds in line with equal opportunities.	Interview
Be able to demonstrate an independent and impartial view in relation to all parties involved in the custody visiting process.	Interview
Be able to maintain confidentiality.	Interview
Be willing to complete basic security checks (vetting is compulsory).	Application

DESIRABLE	MEASURED BY
Some knowledge of Custody Visiting.	Interview
Be able to demonstrate an ability to complete forms clearly and concisely.	Application / Training
Be able to demonstrate mobility in relation to undertaking visits.	Interview

Download the job description here.

Job Description for Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) OPCC Wiltshire and Swindon Volunteers.docx

Download the Terms of Reference here
ICVs Terms of Reference - Jan 25.docx

Click here to apply for an ICV role

ICV Application Form.pdf

Further Information

“As the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, I am very pleased to present the Independent Custody Visitors (ICV) Annual Report for the period April 2024 to March 2025.

Our ICVs are members of the public in Wiltshire and Swindon who volunteer to visit police custody suites on my behalf to check on the welfare of people who are detained, the conditions in which they are being held, and whether their rights and entitlements are being met.

ICVs support me by providing independent scrutiny and oversight of police custody suites which contributes to developing public trust and confidence in Wiltshire Police.

Our scheme covers two custody suites in the county, located in Melksham and Swindon.

This report highlights the efforts and achievements of the ICVs and their time, dedication and commitment in ensuring that this important role is carried out well and that Wiltshire's custody suites operate to a high standard.”

Philip Wilkinson OBE, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon

ICV Scheme Annual Report 2024.pdf

Download the previous ICV annual report 2023 here ICV Scheme Annual Report 2023.pdf

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon is committed to openness, accountability and improving public confidence in policing. As part of this, our Independent Custody Visitor (ICV) Scheme plays a vital role in ensuring the welfare and rights of people held in police custody.

To help keep our communities informed, we publish the panel meeting notes that summarise the work of our volunteers, highlight key themes from their visits, and record any issues raised with Wiltshire Police. You can explore the latest notes below to see how independent scrutiny supports fairness, safety and transparency within our custody suites.