Independent Custody Visiting Scheme
What is the Independent Custody Visiting Scheme?
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner South Wales has a statutory responsibility to operate an Independent Custody Visiting (ICV) Scheme. Members of the community are recruited and appointed on a geographical basis to visit the four custody suites in South Wales:
- Bridgend
- Cardiff
- Swansea
- Merthyr
ICVs visit custody suites unannounced to check on the welfare of detainees following arrest and that their rights and entitlements are being observed. ICVs also speak to custody staff and monitor the physical condition of custody facilities.
ICVs play a vital role in ensuring the work of the police is open, transparent, and accountable to the public.
What do ICVs do?
ICVs carry out visits to custody suites in the South Wales Police area. ICVs work in pairs and visits are random and unannounced.
ICVs speak to detainees (with their consent) to check on their welfare and ensure that they receive their rights and entitlements. ICVs also speak to custody staff and monitor the physical condition of custody facilities.
ICVs findings are reported back to the ICV Scheme Manager and the Police and Crime Commissioner who is responsible for making recommendations for action and improvement.
ICV applications undertake training on all aspects of custody visiting. They also learn about the basic principles of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE). Training is provided to ICVs at regular intervals and when there are changes in the law.
Recruitment
We are not currently recruiting for the ICV Scheme.
Further Information
Animal Welfare Scheme
South Wales Police are one of a small number of Polices forces with their own Dog and Mounted section, the Animal Welfare visiting scheme involves volunteers reporting on the welfare of the police dogs and horses through fortnightly visits to South Wales Police’s dog and mounted site. All volunteers will receive training and guidance to conduct these visits.
We are currently not recruiting for the Animal Welfare Scheme.
If you would like to contact us for more information about our volunteer visiting schemes, please email us at volunteer@south-wales.police.uk.
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