Independent Custody Visiting Scheme (ICVS)

ICVS provides independent scrutiny of Police Scotland custody provision across the country. This year, ICVS celebrated its 10th anniversary at the June 2023 ICVS Annual Conference which was hosted by Vice Chair Jane Ryder. The conference recognised the dedication and commitment from all Independent Custody visitors who have volunteered for the Scheme over the past decade.

Recruitment of new volunteer Independent Custody Visitors will be critical to ensure ICVS continues to provide appropriate levels of oversight across the Police Scotland estate. The Authority’s ICVS team have undertaken a recruitment exercise, including attending Fresher’s Fairs and lectures across Scottish universities. As a result, 10 new volunteers have joined as Independent Custody Visitors. Over the coming year we will look to launch a further recruitment exercise utilising social media, explore opportunities for face to face engagement about the scheme and reviewing previous mechanisms for recruitment.

The ICVS Annual Report was presented to the Policing Performance Committee on 15 June 2023 and highlighted that during 2022/23, ICVS carried out over 1,000 visits to custody centres and spoke to over 1,600 people in custody. Over this reporting period ICVs have not reported any breaches of human rights or highlighted any instances of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of arrested individuals, as described by United Nations Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.