With over 50,000 people held in police custody in South Wales every year, it is important to ensure that their legal rights are protected.
South Wales Police Authority runs an Independent Custody Visiting Scheme. This sees volunteer members of the public visit police custody units and check on the welfare of detainees and the physical conditions of the cells.
Custody Visitors
Custody visitors are volunteers from all walks of life. By doing this role, they help to ensure that the police service is accountable to the public.
We have 51 visitors who visit the 15 custody units every week. South Wales is split into three panel areas of:
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North covering the Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taf
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South covering the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
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West covering the Bridgend, Neath Port Talbot and Swansea
Our volunteers must be independent and impartial. As a result, people who already work within the criminal justice system, such as police officers or serving Magistrates, are not able to join.
They must act with the utmost integrity and follow a Code of Conduct. They cannot give legal advice or act without the consent of those in the cells.
What do Custody Visitors Do?
The Visitors arrive at police stations in pairs unannounced at any time. They are given immediate access to the custody area.
With agreement, the visitors can speak to detainees, listen to any complaints they may have about their treatment or conditions, and take up any issues of concern.
They are not concerned with the reasons why someone is in custody and at all times respect confidentiality. Their concern is solely with the detainees treatment and welfare whilst in police custody.
Any problems are either resolved directly with the Custody Sergeant at the time of the visit, or reported to the Police Authority.
Why was the Scheme Started?
The scheme began following Lord Scarman’s report on the Brixton riots in 1981. He recommended an independent system of unannounced inspections of police stations by local community members. Every Police Authority must have a custody visiting scheme.
There is a national organisation – ICVA (Independent Custody Visiting Association) – which acts on behalf of all visitors in the UK.