Role of an Independent Custody Visitor
Qualities for Appointment
There are no formal or special qualifications for appointment as an Independent Custody Visitor, and training is given to all successful nominees.
They should be independent local people of good character aged 18 or over.
They should be persons in whom the community can have confidence and from whom the police will accept fair criticism when it is justified.
Independent Custody Visitors must be capable of making objective unbiased observations and informed judgements.
They should have broadly based interests in the local community and particular experience and knowledge pertinent to the community.
The Police Authority consider it most important the Independent Custody Visitors reflect a variety of interests and character of particular communities and that there are wide nomination criteria with regard to age, gender, ethnic background, occupation and social background.