Are you over 18 and looking to volunteer for something different? Then why not find out more about being an Independent Custody Visitor?

What is an Independent Custody Visitor?

Independent Custody visitors are members of the local community whose duty it is to visit police stations unannounced to check on the welfare of people who are in police custody. Their task is to observe, comment and report on these matters.
 
They assist the Police by helping to ensure that they are providing the service that is expected of them. 

They can also help in the management of police performance by pointing out problems that may have occurred which could have implications on policy, training, communications or just the daily running of the custody section of a Police Station.

How are Custody Visitors appointed?

To be an Independent Custody Visitor you are asked to complete an application form, and if your application is successful you will be invited to attend a Police Authority interview.

If this goes well, you will be appointed and receive training in legal and procedural matters. You will be expected to visit a custody centre once every two or three months along with another Independent Custody Visitor, as visits are always made in pairs.

At the end of each visit you must fill in a report form. Travelling expenses are paid to all Independent Custody Visitors.

Custody Visitor application form - opens in a new window -  41.81kb - (pdf)  

Independent Custody Visiting Scheme Annual Report Summary 2008/09

The Police Authority has published its Annual Report Summary on the Independent Custody Visiting Scheme. View the report: Summary 2008 to 2009 - opens in a new window 1,420kb (pdf).

If the above pdf document doesn't open when you have downloaded it, your computer probably doesn't have Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Go to our download information page to install Acrobat Reader free of charge.

If you are interested in finding out if there are any vacancies for this role or would like more information, please contact the Chief Executive, Suffolk Police Authority, Police Headquarters, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich, Suffolk IP5 3QS. Tel 01473 782771 or e-mail ian.rands@suffolk.pnn.police.uk

In addition, further information on independent custody visiting can also be found on the Independent Custody Visiting Association website - opens in a new window.