Independent Custody Visiting

Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are trained volunteers that visit police stations unannounced to check on the treatment and welfare of people held in police custody.

ICV recommendations can require the police to make improvements to aid the welfare of detainees. Working as part of a panel, they play a valuable role in maintaining public confidence in this important area of policing by making sure that detainees are treated well.

The City of London currently has one Police custody suite at Bishopsgate Police Station and the panel, of up to 12 members, visit this suite unannounced on a regular basis.