Custody Visiting Scheme
What is Custody Visiting?
The Independent Custody Visiting Scheme enables appointed
volunteers to visit police stations to check on the treatment
of detainees, the conditions in which they are held and that
their rights and entitlements are being observed. It offers
protection to both detainees and police and reassurance to the
community at large.
Who can become a Custody Visitor?
Custody visitors are over 18 years of age and come
from all sections of the community. They must
be independent of the criminal justice system to prevent
possible conflicts of interest for the individual and to maintain
the integrity of the scheme.
What is involved?
When custody visitors visit police
stations they must maintain their impartiality and
must not take sides, but look, listen and report on what is
seen or said to them.
Regular unannounced visits will be made to local police stations
by pairs of custody visitors. After each visit a
report provides a current picture of the custody suite.
The reports are analysed and the results presented to the
Police Authority.
Training and Selection
Anyone wishing to become a custody visitor must complete an
application form and provide the names of two
referees. Following successful interview a criminal
record check will be undertaken.
Custody visitors' require sound knowledge and understanding of
detainees rights and police responsibilities and therefore
training is provided.
Appointment
Custody visitor appointment is through the police authority’s
Custody Visiting Review Group and subject to completion
of probation and review, will be for three
years with the option of re-appointment for a further period at the
group's discretion.
The group has the authority to terminate a custody
visitor’s appointment where the custody visitor fails to
meet the standards of the appointment.
Expenses
Custody visitors are volunteers and as such there is
no financial remuneration. However, reasonable expenses
incurred on custody visitor matters will be reimbursed by the
police authority.
To Apply
Complete the application form by following the link on the right
or for any further information contact the authority via the
'Contact Us' page.