Category: Police custody

The graphic has a blue background and features the logo of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey. It reads: "In 2024/25, Independent Custody Visitors volunteered more than 700 hours to check conditions in custody and had conversations with 445 detainees." The words are accompanied by graphics of a person standing beside a clock, and an emoji of a person.

700 hours, 445 conversations and 176 visits – inside Surrey’s custody volunteering scheme

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner is celebrating the work of volunteers who visit custody suites to check on detainees. 

Lisa Townsend thanked those who dedicate their time to the Independent Custody Visitor (ICV) scheme as she marked national Volunteers’ Week. 

In just 12 months, the volunteers – all specially-trained members of the public – dedicated 700 hours to ensuring the rights, wellbeing and dignity of detainees are respected in custody. 

ICVs make unannounced visits to Surrey Police’s three custody suites in Guildford, Salford and Staines. During the visits, they assess conditions and speak with both detainees and custody officers. 

Over the past year, volunteers conducted 176 visits, spending 323 hours in custody and directly checking on the welfare of almost 1,000 detainees. They had just under 445 conversations with those in custody. 

Commissioner’s thanks

The Platinum-status scheme, which is managed by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, is open year-round to applicants who want to help improve the service provided by Surrey Police. 

The Commissioner said: “Independent Custody Visitors provide essential scrutiny of an area of policing that is hidden from public view. 

“By giving their time, they ensure that detainees are being treated respectfully and aren’t going without essentials like food, blankets and feminine hygiene products. 

“Volunteers also provide support to custody officers, who are often working in challenging, pressurised conditions with some of Surrey’s most vulnerable people. 

Volunteers welcome

“The combined efforts of ICVs and custody staff ensure that every person arrested in the county receives the appropriate, fair treatment and care. 

“I’d encourage anyone with an interest to volunteer with the scheme. It’s an immensely rewarding and unique way to give your time to policing.” 

ICVs must be over 18, live or work in Surrey, and able to carry out one custody visit per month. They cannot be serving police officers or involved in the criminal justice process. 

Full training and expenses are provided. 

For more information, or to apply, visit our Independent Custody Volunteers page. 

“Conversations that make a difference” – Commissioner thanks volunteers who shine spotlight on custody

Posted on | by James Smith

POLICE AND CRIME Commissioner Lisa Townsend has hailed the vital role of Independent Custody Visiting Volunteers after they gave 400 hours of their time over the last year to help improve the service provide by Surrey Police.

Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are specially trained members of the public who make unannounced visits to the Force’s custody suites to check on the rights, wellbeing, and dignity of detainees.

During Volunteers’ Week, the Office of the Commissioner published the Custody Visiting Scheme’s latest Annual Report and wrote to volunteers to thank them for their continued contribution.  

In the year to March, they made 183 visits to Surrey Police custody suites and checked on the welfare of 389 detainees across the county.

In 2023, the Scheme was recognised nationally after it was awarded Platinum status for the impact it has on fair and transparent policing in Surrey.

During a visit, volunteers will typically check on the conditions of custody and speak to detainees to confirm that they have been informed of their rights and have been treated with respect. ICVs also check on things like the supply of food, blankets and access to feminine hygiene products, and can provide a further opportunity for individuals to speak about medical or other needs that they may not have raised with custody staff earlier.

The Commissioner said ICVs play a key role by shining a spotlight on the processes in custody and encouraged adults who are interested in policing and helping others to find out more about joining the scheme:

“I am incredibly proud of the work of our Independent Custody Visitors in Surrey.

“Our ICV Scheme provides essential scrutiny of an area of policing that is hidden from public view where officers and staff deal with some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“Together with custody staff, our volunteers are essential to ensuring that every person who is arrested receives care that is fair and appropriate to their needs.

“Custody Visiting is also a unique and immensely rewarding way to volunteer in policing, that makes a big difference by giving up just a few hours each month.”

Independent Custody Visitors must be over 18 and live or work in Surrey and able to commit to carry out one visit to custody a month. ICVs cannot be serving police officers or staff, or involved in the Criminal Justice Process.

Full training and expenses are provided.

Learn more about our Independent Custody Visiting Scheme here.