Beds PCC’s office wins national award for custody visiting

The Bedfordshire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has once again received the highest national award for its Independent Custody Visiting (ICV) scheme.

The scheme was awarded Platinum status by the Independent Custody Visiting Association (ICVA) at a ceremony in London on 8 July, recognising the outstanding standard of independent scrutiny provided in Bedfordshire's police custody suites.

Independent Custody Visitors are trained volunteers from the local community who make unannounced visits to police custody suites. They check that people being held in custody are being treated fairly, safely and with dignity, and that their rights and welfare are being protected.

Their findings are reported independently to the Police and Crime Commissioner, helping to provide public oversight and accountability of policing.

ICVA, the national organisation that supports and represents custody visiting schemes across the UK, assesses schemes against a quality assurance framework based on the statutory Code of Practice for custody visiting.

Platinum is the highest level of recognition available, reflecting the strength of the scheme, the dedication of its volunteers and its commitment to transparency, accountability and public confidence in policing.

The ICV’s were also nominated for an award by a Custody Inspector for their work at the internal Bedfordshire Police Force Awards “in recognition of their exceptional contribution, professionalism and commitment to safeguarding the welfare of detainees within Bedfordshire Police custody”.

John Tizard, Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire said: "Independent scrutiny is essential to maintaining confidence in our policing services.

"This Platinum award recognises the dedication of our Independent Custody Visitors and the high standards they help uphold.

"Their work provides reassurance that detainees' rights, welfare and dignity are being protected, and I am grateful for their continued commitment to serving our communities."

Dame Anne Owers, Chair of ICVA, said: "Once again, these awards show the value and importance of independent custody visiting, with even more schemes being awarded the top 'platinum' grading.  This also reflects the crucial work that ICVA does, in providing support and training for volunteers and schemes across the country.”

Sherry Ralph, Chief Executive at ICVA said: “The Quality Assurance Framework represents a significant and growing commitment from schemes to ensure that independent custody visiting is regularly reviewed, improvements are made where needed, and excellent practice is shared. This year, we have also strengthened our approach by introducing a greater focus on volunteer voices, ensuring that the experiences and perspectives of Independent Custody Visitors are embedded within schemes and reflected in assessments, particularly at the higher levels of the framework. I congratulate schemes on their accomplishments and thank them for their continued dedication and commitment."