Essex Police Authority Custody Visiting Scheme Notes Of Guidance

WHAT IS CUSTODY VISITING? Custody visiting is a scheme which gives appointed members of the public opportunities to observe and report on the conditions under which people are detained in police stations and provide an independent check on the way police officers carry out their duties with regard to detainees.
WHO CAN BECOME A CUSTODY VISITOR? Custody visitors come from a variety of backgrounds and sections of the community and must be over 18 years of age. They must have no direct involvement in the criminal justice system i.e. magistrates, serving police officers or special constables. Other people may be excluded i.e. solicitors or probation officers. This is to prevent possible conflicts of interest for the individual, and to maintain the independence of the scheme.
WHAT IS INVOLVED? Custody visitors are independent members of the local community who visit police stations unannounced to check on the welfare of people who are in police custody. Custody visitors must maintain their independence and impartiality. They do not take sides but merely look, listen and report on what is said to them. Regular visits will be made to the police stations, usually by pairs of custody visitors. The actual timing of visits is down to the custody visitors. Independent Custody Visitors will normally only visit those police stations within their local area.
After each custody visit a report is completed. It records that a visit has taken place and provides a picture of the custody area at the time of the visit. The information in these reports is analyzed and presented to the Police Authority.
TRAINING AND SELECTION Anyone wishing to become a custody visitor will need to complete an application form, applicants will be asked to provide the names of two referees and the police authority will carry out a police check. An interview will be held. Custody visitors need to have sound knowledge and understanding of detainees rights and police responsibilities, and information and training is provided. Newly appointed custody visitors will normally complete a probationary period and be issued with an official identity card, which allows them to be admitted to the custody area of police stations.
APPOINTMENT Appointments of custody visitors are made by the Police Authority's Custody Visiting Review Group and will, subject to a satisfactory review after the first six months, be for a period of three years with the option of re-appointment for a further period at the discretion of the Group. The Group, in consultation with the Clerk to the Police Authority, also has power to terminate a custody visitor's appointment where, for example, a custody visitor abuses their position whilst visiting, does not comply with the requirement to keep any information they acquire confidential or fails to meet appointment criteria. A criminal records check will be undertaken on all successful applicants prior to appointment.
EXPENSES Custody Visitors are appointed on a voluntary basis and as such there is no facility for financial remuneration. However, reasonable expenses incurred on custody visitor matters will be reimbursed by the Police Authority.
INSURANCE The Treasurer to the Police Authority has arranged insurance to protect Custody Visitors carrying out their duties in respect of any legal liability for injury or damage to property.
Clerk to the Police Authority County Hall Chelmsford Essex CM1 1LX
Tel.01245 430355/Fax 01245 280180
john.macaulay@essexgc.gov.uk
Ref: JRM/EPA
Information supplied by Stock Parish Council
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