Custody volunteers go platinum! National body presents top award to local scheme

Because the programme, which monitors the care of detainees in Gloucestershire, has been recognised nationally as one of the best in the country.

The Independent Custody Visitor scheme, which is run by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, involves trained volunteers from the local community making regular unannounced visits to police custody suites.

Gloucestershire has 19 Independent Custody Visitors, managed by Volunteer and Engagement Officer Annie White, “I am delighted the team has been recognised in this way. Their dedication and desire to go beyond often goes unnoticed so this is one way to say thanks”.

“Anyone who volunteers within policing gets to see another side to life, but also an opportunity to contribute a vast array of skills from outside. I couldn’t be more proud or more grateful for everything they do”.

ICVs, as they are known, check on the rights, entitlements, wellbeing and dignity of the people being detained. Their findings are reported to Police and Crime Commissioners and Police Authorities who hold Chief Constables to account.

The Independent Custody Visiting Association (ICVA) – the national membership organisation that supports, leads and represents these schemes – has developed a quality assurance framework to assess how well schemes comply with the code of practice that governs custody visiting.

This is the second year that schemes have been assessed under the framework, and have been able to gain quality assurance awards that recognise the value of their work.

Gloucestershire’s Independent Custody Visitor scheme was presented with a platinum quality assurance award, the highest possible achievement, by ICVA on Wednesday 29 November, at a ceremony in Birmingham.

Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson said: “I am thrilled that we have achieved the highest possible standard for our scheme – making us one of the best in the country.

“We take the health, wellbeing and dignity of detainees in Gloucestershire incredibly seriously. While someone is in our custody we have a duty of care for them, and this scheme ensures that no corners are ever cut.

“I would like to thank our volunteers for giving up their time and energy into helping us improve our custody services.”

Dame Anne Owers, Chair of ICVA, said: “Independent custody visiting schemes ensure that the public have oversight of a high pressure and often hidden area of policing.  These awards demonstrate how local schemes use volunteer feedback to make change and ensure that police custody is safe and dignified for all.”

Sherry Ralph, Chief Executive at ICVA said: “The quality assurance framework represents a significant amount of additional work to ensure that independent custody visiting is regularly reviewed, improvements are made where they are needed and excellent practice is shared. I congratulate schemes on their accomplishments and thank them for their commitment.”