Dorset custody visiting scheme wins national award
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Dorset has been recognised nationally for the high quality of its independent custody visiting scheme.
Under this scheme, trained volunteers from the local community (Independent Custody Visitors or ICVs), managed by the Dorset OPCC make regular unannounced visits to police custody suites to check on the rights, entitlements, wellbeing and dignity of the detainees held there. Their findings are reported to the Police and Crime Commissioners, Mayors and equivalents across the UK who hold Chief Constables to account.
The Independent Custody Visiting Association (ICVA) - the national membership organisation that supports, leads and represents these schemes - has developed a quality assurance framework to assess how well schemes comply with the code of practice that governs custody visiting [see note].
This is the third year that schemes have been assessed under the framework, and have been able to gain quality assurance awards to recognise the value of their work. The Dorset scheme was presented with a Gold quality assurance award by ICVA on July 8th.
Welcoming the award, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick , said: “"I am absolutely delighted that the Dorset Independent Custody Visiting Scheme has been recognised with ICVA's Gold Quality Assurance Award. This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the dedication, professionalism and commitment of our volunteer Independent Custody Visitors and the team in my office who manage the scheme.
"Our Custody Visitors play a vital role in providing independent scrutiny of Dorset Police's custody facilities, helping to ensure that anyone who is detained is treated fairly, respectfully and with dignity. Their unannounced visits and constructive challenge strengthen transparency, accountability and public confidence in policing.
"To receive a Gold award from the Independent Custody Visiting Association is a significant endorsement of the high standards we have set here in Dorset. I would like to thank every one of our volunteers for generously giving their time to this important work and congratulate everyone involved in achieving this well-deserved national recognition."”
Dame Anne Owers, Chair of ICVA, said: "Once again, these awards show the value and importance of independent custody visiting, with even more schemes being awarded the top 'platinum' grading. This also reflects the crucial work that ICVA does, in providing support and training for volunteers and schemes across the country.”
Sherry Ralph, Chief Executive at ICVA said: “The Quality Assurance Framework represents a significant and growing commitment from schemes to ensure that independent custody visiting is regularly reviewed, improvements are made where needed, and excellent practice is shared. This year, we have also strengthened our approach by introducing a greater focus on volunteer voices, ensuring that the experiences and perspectives of Independent Custody Visitors are embedded within schemes and reflected in assessments, particularly at the higher levels of the framework. I congratulate schemes on their accomplishments and thank them for their continued dedication and commitment."