The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has a statutory duty to maintain an Independent Custody Visiting scheme for Northamptonshire. Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are volunteers who speak to people detained in custody to check on their welfare and that they receive their rights and entitlements. The Weekley Woods Justice Centre in Kettering and the Criminal Justice Centre in Brackmills, Northampton receive an ICV visit once a week.
A training programme is provided for all ICV volunteers, who will be fully supported by professional staff as they carry out their role. An ICV will carry out one visit a month and always visit in pairs.
To join the scheme you must live or work in Northamptonshire and be aged 18 or above.
It is essential that anyone interested is able to be impartial, objective and non-judgemental, as well as being able to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
To apply to become an Independent Custody Visitor, click here
Further information about the role can be viewed below:
ICV Role Description
Person Specification
Why I’m An ICV – Ellen’s Story
Related reports:
Northamptonshire ICV Annual Report Apr19-Mar20
HMIC Custody Inspection January 2018
You can view more about the role in the video below: