Release: Dorset PCC funds Specialist Autism training for ICVs

Independent Custody Visitors (ICV) along with members of the Use of Police Powers and Standards Scrutiny Panel, are the latest frontline group to get specialist training on Autism.

ICVs are volunteers who make unannounced visits to custody suites, reporting their findings, and are appointed by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioners across the country.

Here in Dorset, the Police and Crime Commissioner wanted to improve the training given to volunteers and so funded a local charity Autism Unlimited to train our ICV’s on the subject in order to support and empower those living with autism.

Garry French, deputy chair of the Dorset Independent Custody Visiting Scheme, said: “I think we are all finding the course extremely helpful. We have autistic people coming into custody, but they may not share that information. Being able to identify autistic traits will better enable us to ensure that people’s rights and welfare are properly observed, and that is very important.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “I am pleased to have been able to fund this specialist autism training for the Dorset's Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs). The ICVs do an extremely important job and it is vital that we ensure they are equipped to help anyone who finds themselves in custody. Therefore, it is imperative that we ensure our volunteers have access to this type of training to guarantee that they can offer the best possible service when checking on the rights and welfare of those held in custody.”