Independent Custody Visitor

The Office of the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner manages up to 50 dedicated volunteers who undertake vital duties for its Independent Custody Visiting (ICV) scheme.

Local members of 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), to check on the rights, entitlements and well-being of people detained.

Volunteers visit in pairs at times chosen by them during the day and evening to help ensure regular visits during the week and weekend. 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 Police & Crime Commissioner.

Working as part of a local panel, the volunteers have a valuable role in maintaining public confidence in this important area of policing by making sure that detainees are treated well.

Skills & Experience
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 4 monthly panel meetings of the Independent Custody Visitors (60 mins - online)

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

Essential Criteria;

Must be at least 18 years of age
Must live (or work) in the Sussex Police area
To demonstrate sufficient time & 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 & in writing
To demonstrate the ability to complete forms clearly & concisely
To be able to communicate effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds
To demonstrate an independent & impartial view in relation to all parties involved in the custody visiting process
To be able to maintain confidentiality