Independent Custody Visitor Police Custody Centre

The Police & Crime Commissioner is responsible for setting the strategic direction and priorities for Sussex Police through the Police & Crime Plan. In this way, the organisation holds Sussex Police to account for the performance of the police force, effectively making the police answerable to the communities they serve.

The Office of the Sussex PCC manages up to 45 dedicated volunteers who undertake vital duties for its Independent Custody Visiting (ICV) scheme.

Representatives from the community are recruited and appointed on a geographical basis to visit the five police custody centres including Eastbourne and Hastings.

Unannounced visits are made by pairs of Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) at varying times of the day and/or night to check on the treatment & welfare of people held in police custody.
After every visit, the pair of visitors complete a written report form about their findings, which is then passed onto the ICV Scheme Manager at the Office of the Sussex PCC. ICV recommendations can require the police to make improvements for the welfare of detainees. Working as part of a local panel, they play a valuable role in maintaining public confidence in this important area of policing by making sure that detainees are treated well.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must live (or work) in the Sussex Police area.
• To demonstrate sufficient time & flexibility to carry out the role of custody visiting.
• To work with colleagues as part of a team to meet the Scheme’s agreed visiting programme.
• To be able to communicate well both orally & in writing.
• To demonstrate the ability to complete forms clearly & concisely.
• To be able to communicate effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds
• To demonstrate an independent & impartial view in relation to all parties involved in the custody visiting process.
• To be able to maintain confidentiality.

Full training will be provided.

For more information please either come in and see us at Wealden Volunteering, or call us on  or email us at offic