Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs)
Custody visiting allows members of the public to check on the welfare of people being detained in police custody.
What do ICVs do?
Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) make unannounced visits to custody suites around the county to check on the welfare of detained persons, ensure they have received their rights and make sure they are being held in conditions that are up to standard.
Volunteers in Kent visit the following stations:
- Ebbsfleet (North Kent)
- Medway
- Bluewater
- Maidstone
- Tonbridge
- Margate
- Folkestone
- Canterbury
Each visit to a custody suite is undertaken by two volunteers who then submit a report to the OPCC. The information is monitored regularly by the PCC's staff and Kent Police to ensure any important issues are dealt with swiftly.
ICVs are expected to visit custody suites, unannounced, to check on detainees’ welfare and report back to the PCC. This can be as often as once a month. In addition, ICVs attend training sessions, between two and four panel meetings a year, and an Annual General Meeting. The time commitment required is around three to five hours a month and all ICVs are asked to carry out at least one night-time visit a year (between 10pm and 6am).
What do ICVs get in return?
Although the role is voluntary, ICVs do receive travelling expenses (mileage/parking) when undertaking visits. The OPCC ensures that ICVs receive feedback and updates on the issues they have reported, and issue we publish quarterly and annual reports.
ICVs also receive membership of the Kent Police Recreation Association, paid for by the OPCC, for the duration of their appointment. ICVs are offered places on various training sessions and conferences relevant to the role, and may take part in other voluntary schemes led by the OPCC such the Animal Welfare Scheme.
Who can be an ICV?
To be an Independent Custody Visitor, you must:
- Be over 18
- Have a good grasp of English (all the guidelines, reporting and recording procedures are in English)
- Live/work in Kent
- Have been a resident of the UK for three years
You will NOT be able to volunteer if you are:
- A justice of the peace (magistrate)
- A serving police officer, police staff employee or police volunteer
- A staff member in the Office of the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner
- A special constable
- Working in the criminal justice system
Find out more
Please be aware that some of the PDFs may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Please contact us to request an accessible version.
- Visit the Independent Custody Visiting Association's website
- Download the ICV Annual Report 2024
- View our ICV Policy
- View the Report on an unannounced inspection visit to police custody suites in Kent - His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services
- Follow the Kent ICV Scheme on Twitter
- ICV vetting requirements and barriers