Independent Custody Visitor – Sussex Police Custody Centre
The Office of the Sussex PCC manages up to 45 dedicated volunteers who undertake vital duties for its Independent Custody Visiting (ICV) scheme. Unannounced visits are made by pairs of Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) at varying times of the day and/or night to check on the treatment & welfare of people held in police custody. After every visit, the pair of visitors complete a written report form about their findings, which is then passed onto the ICV Scheme Manager at the Office of the Sussex PCC. ICV recommendations can require the police to make improvements for the welfare of detainees. Working as part of a local panel, they play a valuable role in maintaining public confidence in this important area of policing by making sure that detainees are treated well. Representatives from the community are recruited and appointed on a geographical basis to visit the five police custody centres including Eastbourne and Hastings.
