Independent Custody Visiting Scheme
In 2010,
Independent Custody Visiting celebrated it's 25th anniversary.
Merseyside Police Authority celebrated this by hosting an Awards
Ceremony to honour the many volunteers who give up their free time
to help make the Scheme a success.
The Scheme was established following the recommendations of Lord
Scarman in 1981. The Merseyside Custody Visiting Scheme began in
April 1984 with 20 members of the then Police Committee being
trained as visitors. Later that year, members of the public were
invited to apply.
Independent Custody Visitors are now exclusively members of the local community who make unannounced visits and observe, comment and report to the Police Authority on the conditions under which people are detained at Force Custody Suites.
Visits determine whether the regulations governing detention have been complied with and the interests of detainees properly considered. Volunteers are unpaid but are reimbursed for travelling expenses, and their reports on the outcome of visits are presented to the Community Partnership Committee for consideration and action.
Reverend Peter Beaman,
who has been part of the Scheme since 1986 is Merseyside Police
Authority's ICV Advisor, said "The visiting scheme is
designed to reassure the public that nothing untoward is happening
when people are detained in the Force Custody Suites. It is not the
job of a Custody Visitor to conduct welfare visits on behalf of
detainees, but to check they are being treated fairly and
conditions in the suites conform to dignified standards."
If you would like further information on the Scheme you can use the
link on the right hand side of the page or contact the Authority
via email, communications@merseysidepoliceauthority.gov.uk
or phone 0151 236 4748.
