Skip to Main Content

Independent Custody Visitor Scheme

Do you want to make a difference in your community?

Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are a key part of the justice system, making sure the rights of those in police custody are being maintained. Going behind the scenes of police custody, ICVs get to see things that normal members of the public don’t.

Supported by the PCC John Campion, the amazing volunteers visit custody suites across West Mercia including Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire.

The visits provide an independent check on the way in which detainees are held, in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 guidelines, and also help foster better public understanding and confidence in the way prisoners are treated.

If you would like an informal talk about the role, please contact the Scheme Coordinator at ICVScheme@westmercia.police.uk (opens email application).

How can I get involved?

To become a custody visitor, you need to be at least 18 years old and independent of the police. Serving police officers, police staff, special constables, for example, will not be considered. 

Want more information?

If you are interested in applying, please find below the person specification and application form:

Person Specification

Application form

To find out more about the scheme look at the Annual Report here.

For more information, please visit the Independent Custody Visiting Association (ICVA) website.

Read what the volunteers have to say about working as an ICV, why they decided to take up the role, what they enjoy most about it, and the key skills you need to do the role here.

Watch what some of the scheme's volunteers have to say about the role