The Northamptonshire Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner 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) 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 then reported to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner who holds the Chief Constable 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.
This is the third year that schemes have been assessed under the framework and awarded quality assurance recognition for the value of their work. Alexa Barnes, Independent Custody Visiting Scheme Manager at the Northamptonshire Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, was presented with a Silver Quality Assurance Award by ICVA on July 8 at a ceremony in London.
Welcoming the national recognition for Northamptonshire’s scheme and thanking those involved in its success, Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone said:
“Independent Custody Visitors play a vital role in helping to maintain public confidence in policing by providing independent scrutiny of police custody and ensuring that the rights and welfare of detainees are protected.
“I am delighted that Northamptonshire’s scheme has received this national recognition. Achieving a Silver Quality Assurance Award reflects the hard work and commitment of our volunteers and staff, who are dedicated to upholding high standards and driving continuous improvement.
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of our Independent Custody Visitors for the time, dedication and professionalism they bring to this important role. Their commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability and fairness in our custody suites makes a real difference and helps strengthen trust and confidence in policing across Northamptonshire.”
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.”
Anyone interested in applying to be a volunteer ICV can read more information about the role and apply here: Independent Custody Visiting – Northamptonshire Police & Fire Commissioner. There are current vacancies to join the Kettering Panel.
