Custody Visiting

What is Custody Visiting?

Under the Police Reform Act 2002, all police authorities are required to run a custody visiting scheme. Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has had a scheme in place for twenty years. Custody visitors are trained volunteer members of the public who visit police custody suites and speak to people held in custody to ensure they have been fairly treated in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.A record of each visit is made and any follow up action taken is also recorded. During 2006, 76 custody visitors working in four teams made 394 visits to police stations throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Why is the Scheme important?

It independently checks on the welfare of detainees at a time when they may be feeling vulnerable or confused and gives the public reassurance that detainees are treated fairly. Custody Visitors are encouraged to deal with matters of a more minor nature during the visit but more serious matters are forwarded to the Police Authority. Custody visitors play a very important role and the Authority is grateful for their continuing involvement and contribution.

Who can become a Visitor?

Visitors come from all sections of the community. They must be more than 18 years old and reside in Hampshire or the Isle of Wight. No special skills are required as full training and support is provided, however Custody Visitors should be good listeners, non-judgemental, unprejudiced and generally have an interest in the community and the welfare of the people detained in police cells. For more details download the person specification.

After a probationary period of six months, Custody Visitors are appointed for a further two and a half years.

Serving or former police officers, special constables and members of the Probation Service are not eligible to become custody visitors. This is to prevent a potential conflict of interest for the individual and to maintain the independence of the Scheme as a whole.

How much of my time would it take up?

You will be required to attend an initial one day training event. Thereafter you will be required to make eight visits per year. Visits may be made at any time of the day or night according to a rota system. The length of each visit depends on how many people are in custody at the time and how many detainees wish to see the visitors. The Police Authority also organises other training opportunities including an annual seminar which provides an opportunity for visitors from across the two counties to meet and learn more about this important area of the Authority's work. The visitors are co-ordinated by one of four regional convenors, who also hold quarterly meetings to discuss local arrangements and share best practice.

For more details on the role download the job description.

How do I apply to become a Custody Visitor?

If you would like any further information about becoming a custody visitor in Hampshire or the Isle of Wight, please contact us. If you are ready to apply to become a custody visitor, download the application form  and the equal opportunities form. Both of these can be emailed or posted to us.