The custody visiting scheme in Surrey overseen by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend’s office has been recognised for its outstanding work after being awarded ‘Platinum’ status for the second time.
The Independent Custody Visiting (ICV) Scheme was recognised nationally earlier this month for achieving the highest accolade possible for the quality of its work in the county.
The award cements Surrey’s place as one of the leading custody visiting schemes in the country.
Under the scheme, volunteers from the local community known as Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) make unannounced visits to Surrey Police custody to check on the rights, wellbeing, and dignity of detainees.
172 visits
In the last year, our ICVs made 172 visits, spending a collective total of 700 hours of volunteer time across Surrey’s three custody suites.
By listening to individuals in custody, they provide valuable and independent oversight of the care that is provided when an individual is detained.
Their recommendations cover everything from ensuring that there are enough blankets in winter, to safeguarding someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis.
Visits are held at all hours and the findings are reported back to the Commissioner and Surrey Police in a cycle that promotes continuous improvement.
Code of practice
The Independent Custody Visiting Association (ICVA) judges schemes every three years based on its quality assurance framework that assesses how well schemes comply with a Code of Practice for custody.
Surrey’s ICV Scheme Manager Erika Dallinger was presented with the Platinum award at a ceremony in London award that represents the highest level of accreditation possible for schemes across the UK.
Welcoming the award, Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Upholding the highest standards of policing in Surrey is vital in maintaining the confidence of the communities that we serve across the county.
Transparency in policing
“That is why the ICV scheme is such a crucial part of the work my office does to champion transparency in policing and hold the Chief Constable to account.
“This is only made possible by the passion and dedication invested in the scheme by every one of our volunteers, and by the ICV Scheme Manager Erika Dallinger.
“I am delighted that their hard work has been recognised again with this Platinum award which reflects the outstanding work that goes into making the ICV scheme such a success in Surrey.”