Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are volunteers who attend custody suites at police stations across the county to check on the welfare of detained persons.
Each visit is undertaken unannounced by two volunteers, who then submit a report to both Kent Police and the Authority.
If the conditions are found to be unacceptable the Police Authority can take appropriate action to ensure matters are rectified.
In Kent we have a total of 61 volunteers. You will be expected to visit custody suites as often as once a month and attend training sessions, two panel meetings per year, and an annual general meeting.
Who can be a Custody Visitor?
- you must be over 18
- have a good grasp of English (all the guidelines, reporting and recording procedures are in English)
- live in Kent
Who cannot be a Custody Visitor?
- a justice of the peace
- a serving police officer, police staff employee or police volunteer
- Kent Police Authority staff
- a special constable
- a person working in areas of the Criminal Justice system, ie a solicitor or a member of the probation service, as this may conflict with your independence due to the locality you cover or the people you are working with
ICVs require no formal qualifications and full training is provided.
A criminal record or unspent conviction will not necessarily prevent you from becoming a Custody Visitor. Every application will be considered individually and on its own merits.
Current vacancies
We are not currently recruiting for volunteers, however if you are interested in being placed on our waiting list, please contact Kelly Rooney 01622 604484 or email icv.scheme@kent.pnn.police.uk who will advise you when the next recruitment drive will be. You can then download and complete the following application forms and send to:
Kelly Rooney, Office Manager, FREEPOST Kent Police Authority, Gail House, Lower Stone Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6BR.
There are six ICV panels across Kent: North Kent, Medway, East Kent, West Kent, Mid Kent and South Kent.
Find out more: