What happens during a visit?
Independent custody visitors must maintain their independence and impartiality. They do not take sides, but look, listen and report on what they find in the custody unit.
New custody visitors are required to attend induction and initial training and undertake their initial visits with an experienced panel member to support them in their new role.
On arrival at the police station, custody visitors present identification cards and are escorted to the custody area. The detainees are identified by their custody numbers and strict rules of confidentiality apply.
Custody visitors must be admitted to the custody area immediately unless there are specific reason which prevent this. Delay is only permitted when immediate access may present a risk to visitors.
Custody visitors must be granted access to all parts of the custody area and to associated facilities such as food preparation areas and medical rooms. However, it is not part of their role to attend police interviews with detainees.
Police staff must be alert to specific health or safety risk custody visitors might face and must advise them appropriately. The custody officer or a member of custody staff must accompany custody visitors during visits.