PFCC’s Independent Custody Visiting Scheme achieves national accreditation

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s (PFCC) Independent Custody Visiting (ICV) Scheme has been awarded Silver Accreditation by the Independent Custody Visiting Association (ICVA), the national body that promotes and supports independent custody visiting across England and Wales.

Representatives from the PFCC’s office attended an awards ceremony in London to receive the accreditation, which recognises the quality and effectiveness of the scheme.

Independent Custody Visitors make unannounced visits to police custody suites to check on the welfare and treatment of detainees, assess custody conditions and ensure detainees’ rights and entitlements are being upheld.

By providing independent scrutiny of custody environments, the scheme helps protect both detainees and police officers, promotes openness and transparency, and provides reassurance to local communities.

The work of Independent Custody Visitors also plays an important role in informing improvements to custody practices and national legislation, helping to safeguard the dignity and rights of all detainees, particularly children, women and vulnerable people.

If you would like to learn more about the Independent Custody Visiting Scheme and are interested in applying  to become an Independent Custody Visitor, visit: https://essex.pfcc.police.uk/g...

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