Independent Custody Scrutiny Panel
In 2022, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) wrote to all Police and Crime Commissioners to suggest that that they develop a ‘custody detention scrutiny panel’. The NPCC and APCC identified that there was no consistent approach to addressing disproportionality within detention profiles. Setting up such a panel is hoped to help build public trust and confidence in this often-hidden area of policing.
As a result, The South Wales Independent Custody Scrutiny Panel (ICSP) was jointly created by the South Wales Police & Crime Commissioner and South Wales Police. Membership is made up of people representing the following:
- Independent Custody Volunteers
- Police Accountability & Legitimacy Group
- Independent Advisory Group
Purpose of Independent Custody Scrutiny Panel
- Provide further independent oversight within detention and custody.
- Assess and report on detention and custody processes.
- Independently review and advise on matters of disproportionality within detention and custody processes.
- Help build trust and confidence within the community by creating transparency within detention and custody.
- Act as a critical friend to South Wales Police and provide advice, guidance, and recommendation to improve its performance in relation to detention and custody.
The Panel will be given unprecedented access to material retained by the police to objectively and independently review matters of disproportionality and police/detainee behaviour in the context of legislation, guidance, policy and procedure. Please note, the Panel will not have access to sensitive and personal data.
Topics will include (but are not limited to):
- Strip Searching
- Anti-Rip Clothing
- Use of force
- Dignity and respect
- Access to services (e.g. language service provisions)
- Mental Health