Can I be a custody visitor?
There are currently 35 ICVs across Hampshire and Isle of Wight. Members of the community wishing to become an ICV need to complete an application form which is returned to the Scheme Administrator. A shortlisting and interview process is undertaken and successful applicants need to attend an ICV Initial training session. Ongoing training is provided.
We are now recruiting for ICVs in the Basingstoke area
and on the Isle of Wight
Who can be a Visitor?
Subject to certain exceptions anyone can apply to be an ICV. Visitors must be more than 18 years old, have been resident in the UK for at least five years prior to the date of application and currently reside in Hampshire or Isle of Wight. No special skills are required as full training and support is provided, however Visitors should be good listeners, non-judgemental, unprejudiced and generally have an interest in the community and the welfare of the people detained in police cells. We are actively seeking to make the profile of our visitors more diverse and we welcome applications from all members of the community.
Sounds good! What should I do next?
If you want to know more about the scheme feel free to download our FAQ document here
If you would like any further information about becoming a custody visitor in Hampshire or the Isle of Wight, please use the Contact Us form or email the ICV Scheme mailbox
If you would like to apply to be a Visitor please download our application form here
If you would like to find out if you are eligible to be a Visitor please download our guide here
To check out the Role Description please download it here
You can also read our ICV Equalities and Diversity statement.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Scheme Handbook
What is a custody visitor?
Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are members of the local community who visit police stations unannounced to check on the treatment of detainees, the conditions in which they are being held and that their rights and entitlements are being observed.
What have they learnt?
What have the custody visitors told us from their visits? Annual reports for the Custody Visiting scheme are produced for the Commissioner, the reports can be viewed and downloaded in this section.
What about the rest of the UK?
The Independent Custody Visitors Association (ICVA) is a Home Office, Policing Authority and Police and Crime Commissioner funded membership organisation set up to lead, support and represent PCC and Policing Authority led schemes. Local volunteers make unannounced visits to police custody to check on the rights, entitlements, wellbeing and dignity of detainees held in police custody, reporting to PCCs and Policing Authorities who hold Chief Constables to account.