Independent Custody Visiting Scheme

Are you looking to volunteer for something different? Then why not find out more about being an Independent Custody Visitor?

What is an Independent Custody Visitor?

Independent Custody visitors are members of the local community whose task it is to visit police stations unannounced to check on the welfare of people who are in police custody. Their task is to observe, comment and report on these matters. They assist the Police by helping to ensure that they providing the Custody service that is expected of them.

They can also help in the management of police performance by pointing out problems that may have occurred which could have implications on policy, training, communications or just the daily running of the custody section of a Police Station.

Independent custody visitors come from a variety of backgrounds. A Social Worker, an Aircrew Sergeant for the Royal Air Force, a part-time Lecturer, a retired Deputy Head Teacher, a former Bank Manager, a self employed writer and a nurse are among current custody visitors working in Gloucestershire.

Gloucestershire Police Authority currently has 24 Custody Visitors – 12 men and 12 women - working in three teams visiting custody suites in Cheltenham, Gloucester and Stroud.

During 2009 our Custody Visitors made 92 visits to custody suites across the County. Of the 523 people in custody during these visits 269 people chose to speak to a Custody Visitor, (51%).

How to become a Custody Visitor

If you are interested in volunteering please contact the Authority office here.

You may also wish to visit the Independent Custody Visitors' Association website for more detailed information about custody visiting.