Independent Custody Visiting Association

Who we are

WHO WE ARE

The Independent Custody Visiting Association (ICVA) is a national organisation that leads, supports and represents custody visiting schemes.  Local volunteers make unannounced visits to police custody to check on the rights, entitlements, wellbeing and dignity of detainees held in police custody, reporting to PCCs and Policing Authorities who hold Chief Constables to account.

We work closely with government and criminal justice organisations to

• Promote and support the effective provision of independent custody visiting in police forces in the United Kingdom
• To support independent custody visitors across England and Wales in contributing, wherever possible and appropriate, initiatives to improve conditions in police custody.
• Ensure alignment between the local delivery of independent custody visiting and the UK’s obligations under relevant international treaties, including the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) and European Human Rights legislation.
• We are members of the UK National Preventive Mechanism (UKNPM) as required by the Optional Protocol against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) – an international human rights treaty designed to strengthen the protection of people deprived of their liberty.

VISION

ICVA's vision is that detainees are treated fairly, with dignity, and free from ill treatment.

MISSION

Leads, supports and represents Independent Custody Visiting schemes to be effective, ensure the welfare of detainees and to deliver oversight of police custody.

VALUES

• INDEPENDENCE – Without bias, impartial.
• HUMAN RIGHTS – Promotes and protects.
• RESPECT – Championing equality and diversity, dignity.
• IMPACT – Committed to real change.
• PARTNERSHIP – Working collaboratively to prevent ill treatment.