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Independent Custody Visiting

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has a statutory duty to maintain an Independent Custody Visiting scheme for Northamptonshire. Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are volunteers who speak to people detained in custody to check on their welfare and that they receive their rights and entitlements. The Weekley Woods Justice Centre in Kettering and the Criminal Justice Centre in Brackmills, Northampton receive an ICV visit once a week.

A training programme is provided for all ICV volunteers, who will be fully supported by professional staff as they carry out their role. An ICV will carry out one visit a month and always visit in pairs.

To join the scheme you must live or work in Northamptonshire and be aged 18 or above.

It is essential that anyone interested is able to be impartial, objective and non-judgemental, as well as being able to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.

To apply to become an ICV please complete the form at the bottom of this page

Further information about the role can be viewed below:

ICV Role Description
Person Specification
Why I’m An ICV – Ellen’s Story

HM Inspectorate of Prisons for England and Wales (HMIP) and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) provide a joint programme of inspections covering every police custody suite in England and Wales. Details of previous inspections for Northamptonshire Police can be found by clicking here

Details of the scheme can also be found in our Annual Report which can be found here

You can view more about the role in the video below:

Independent Custody Visitor Application Form

(If less than 5 years please complete previous address)
Date of Birth(Required)
Custody Visitors need to be impartial and independent. To enable us to identify any possible conflicts of interest please complete the section below
Please include 'Name and address of employer' 'Dates' and 'Position held and duties'
This will not affect your application but may influence which tasks you are set, if successful.
Objectivity/Impartiality
Communication and listening skills
Confidentiality
Awareness of diversity and equality
Teamwork
This will not necessarily affect your application.
**The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages applications from people with disabilities. Applicants with disabilities who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria in the Person Specification will be guaranteed an interview. The Equality Act 2010 defines a disabled person as someone who has: “A physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities” **
The inclusion of this question and the provision of the information is a requirement in all applications but may not necessarily affect your application. Offences covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 need not be declared above if spent.
One should be a professional who knows you e.g. teacher/solicitor accountant/community leader or a manager at work. The other can be a character reference who should have known you for at least two years. (Referees should not be family members).
DECLARATION - By submitting this form I agree to Northamptonshire Police undertaking a security vetting check in connection with my application as a volunteer. I have read the information supplied to me concerning the duties and responsibilities of an Independent Custody Visitor and would be prepared, if my application is accepted, to complete the appropriate undertaking in respect of confidentiality.