Watch the video to find how the APCC works with the ICVA
Martyn Underhill, Chair of the Independent Custody Visiting Association (ICVA) and Katie Kempen, CEO of ICVA, explain the important role the ICVA plays in the health, safety and well-being of custody detainees.
ICVA recently held their Annual General Meeting to confirm appointments to their Board and review progress against their Business Plan for 2018/19. ICVA Chief Executive Katie Kempen also provided news on ICVA’s work with the Home Office to improve the provisions in custody for menstruating detainees. Other discussions held by the Board included deaths in custody, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services' custody inspections and the Home Secretary’s support for Police use of spit guards and the impact this will have in custody.
Background:
Independent Custody Visiting (ICV) involves members of the local community who volunteer to check on the welfare of people detained in Police custody. These volunteers call at Police stations in pairs, unannounced, and observe the condition of custody suites as well as engaging with detainees to check on their welfare.
Each Police and Crime Commissioner has a statutory duty to oversee the organisation and delivery of independent custody visiting. The schemes can play an integral part in allowing PCCs to hold chief constables to account as well as providing public confidence that people are being treated fairly when held in Police custody.
The Independent Custody Visiting Association (ICVA) was established to provide leadership, support and representation. Through the ICVA, PCCs and their ICVs can raise issues or concerns, as well as share good practice. The ICVA also provides advice and guidance to PCCs and their staff around: standards, what a good volunteer scheme looks like, and training on emerging themes. PCCs also provide the ICVA with data from the visits their ICVs conduct and this is shared with the Home Office to influence policy and legislation. The ICVA holds regular meetings which are chaired by Dorset’s PCC, Martyn Underhill, who is also APCC Deputy Lead for Mental Health and Custody. The APCC is also present at these meetings.