Custody visiting scheme wins national award

Dorset’s independent custody visiting scheme has been awarded a Gold quality assurance mark by the Independent Custody Visiting Association. The scheme relies on trained local volunteers who make unannounced visits to police custody suites, ensuring detainees’ rights and wellbeing are protected. The Gold award reflects rigorous assessment against more than twenty-five criteria, including accountability and compliance with national standards. This recognition highlights the dedication of volunteers and the scheme’s role in strengthening public trust in policing.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset has received national recognition for its independent custody visiting scheme, earning a Gold quality assurance award from the Independent Custody Visiting Association.

Trained volunteers from the local community, known as Independent Custody Visitors, make unannounced visits to police custody suites to check on the rights, wellbeing and dignity of detainees.

Their findings are reported to Police and Crime Commissioners and other officials across the UK, helping to hold Chief Constables to account.

The Gold award was presented by the Independent Custody Visiting Association, which assesses schemes against a quality assurance framework.

This framework reviews compliance with the code of practice governing custody visiting and considers over 25 criteria, including evidence of holding the police force to account. For Gold level, evidence is signed off by senior management and reviewed by the association.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said the award is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the volunteers and the team managing the scheme.

He added that the scheme strengthens transparency, accountability and public confidence in policing.