Independent Custody Visitors

Voluntary positions

Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are ordinary members of the local community appointed to make sure 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 MPA, which oversees custody visiting in London, to make sure that detainees are treated well.

ICV Information event

The next Independent Custody Visitor Information event will be held on Tuesday 11 November 2008.

MPA recruitment

Interested in becoming an Independent Custody Visitor in London?

See the MPA ICV recruitment page for information on role of ICVs, the ICV handbook and how to apply.

Independent Custody Visiting – London panels’ annual reports 2007

Every year, each the 32 independent custody-visiting panels in London are asked to produce an annual report on the work of the panel over that year. The annual report details the aims, objectives and achievements of the panel, as well as providing information on the number of visits undertaken and issues raised. Annual reports are a valuable tool in providing the local community with information on the work of the ICV panel in their borough.

Annual Reports 2007

The Independent Custody Visiting Association

The Independent Custody Visiting Association is a voluntary organisation that promotes the custody visiting process nationally through advocacy, training, publicity and ongoing support to all involved in the process.

By providing a discussion forum on matters of mutual interest, the Association enables ideas and information exchange on relevant issues. Ultimately, it aims to assist the Home Office, police authorities and other interested bodies in the formulation of best practice for custody visiting schemes - increasing public awareness and understanding.

Independent Custody Visitors Association (ICVA)
PO Box 1053
Colne BB9 4BL
Email: info@icva.org.uk
www.icva.org.uk

ICV Scheme newsletters

The following are available as PDF documents:

September 2008
August 2008
June 2008
April 2008
April 2008 - insert Extracts from the Codes of practice – Code C Detention, treatment and questioning of persons by police officers (amended from 1st February 2008)
February 2008
December 2007
September 2007
July 2007
April 2007
December 2006
September 2006
May 2006
February 2005
December 2004
October 2004

ICV bulletins

The following are available as PDF documents:

ICV conference reports

3rd London ICV conference 26 April 2008

conference programme [pdf]
feedback pack [pdf]

2nd London ICV conference 4 March 2006

The main theme of the conference was ‘the health of detainees in police custody’

post conference report

Press releases

Date	No	Title
25 Apr 08	22/08	MPA – 2008 London Independent Custody Visitors conference
22 Sep 06	59/06	MPA - Safeguarding the rights of suspects held under Anti-Terrorism laws
28 Feb 06	12/06	2006 London Independent Custody Visitors conference
10 Feb 05	09/05	MPA London Independent Custody Visitors conference
29 May 03	37/03	Independent Custody Visitors - their dedicated word acknowledged by the MPA
29 Oct 02	108/02	MPA hosts the Independent Custody Visitor Association Annual Conference 2002
04 Jul 02	73/02	Independent Custody Visitors receive a big thank you for their hard work from the MPA