Independent Custody Visitors
Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are ordinary members of the local community appointed by the Metropolitan Police Authority to ensure that the welfare of people detained in police stations is maintained. They call at police stations unannounced and write short reports about their visit. Their recommendations can require the police to make improvements for the welfare of detainees. They play a valuable role in maintaining public confidence in this important area of policing. They work as part of a local panel and help the Metropolitan Police Authority, which oversees custody visiting in London, to make sure that detainees are treated well. Further information about Independent Custody Visiting in London is available from:
James Tate
Metropolitan Police Authority
FREEPOST LON17808
London SW1H 0DY
Freephone: 0808 100 1036
Email: james.tate@mpa.gov.uk
How do I get involved with the London ICV scheme?
If you are interested in becoming an Independent Custody Visitor in London, the MPA is seeking to recruit visitors from as many different backgrounds and communities as possible to ensure the scheme reflects London’s diversity.
Become an Independent Custody Visitor
To be eligible to join the London independent custody visitor scheme you must be 18 or over and live, work or study in the borough you wish to visit in. Independent Custody Visitors must have no direct involvement in the criminal justice system. For example, they cannot be serving police officers or staff, special constables or magistrates.
Appointment as an independent custody visitor is subject to a successful application and interview process. This includes receiving clearance from the Metropolitan Police Service Vetting Department and signing up to our scheme’s Memorandum of Understanding.
On becoming a volunteer you will need to attend training sessions to prepare you for the role, and complete a six-month probationary period in order to be fully accredited.
The MPA is recruiting Londoners in various boroughs across the capital to the independent custody visiting scheme, and would like to hear from you if you believe you can offer your time and experience to this important role.
Independent custody visitors key criteria
- must be over 18
- must not be justices of the peace, serving police officers or civilian employees; members or staff from police authorities or special constables
- may have their applications appraised if there appears to be a conflict of interest for people working in other areas of the criminal justice system, such as solicitors and members of the probation service.
- always work as volunteers and only receive out of pocket expenses incurred while carrying out their roles
- must have a good understanding of the English language - or Welsh, where appropriate - as all ICVA guidelines, reporting and recording procedures are available in either English or Welsh.
Having a criminal record or unspent convictions is not an automatic barrier to becoming a custody visitor. Individual circumstances will be assessed against the needs of the post and suitability of the applicant.
All appropriate applications from members of the public are considered on their own merits.
Suitable applicants are invited to attend an interview based on the submission of a standard application form to a local police authority.
Requests for application forms and information on recruitment should be directed to local police authorities.
