COVID-19 forced the criminal justice system, like all areas of life, to adapt. Police custody could not stop and so had to find ways to adapt working to reduce risk of transmission and keep staff, detainees and visitors as safe as possible. Independent custody visitors (ICVs) continued to monitor custody throughout the pandemic, whether through […]

This LGBTQ+ History Month, ICVA is delighted to be hosting a guest blog from an independent custody visitor from the Sussex scheme. This is, in particular, to celebrate Joanne’s OBE award and her services to transgender equality for detainees, please read on to hear from Joanne herself. FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT AND BEYOND David was […]

As we approach a year of things being very different and challenging for everyone, I wanted to reflect a little on what the changes to life as we know it have meant for ICVA as a small not for profit membership organisation. We have written about the work our fantastic members and the independent custody […]

I remember October 2012 very well indeed. It was the month I collected an 8 week old Labrador puppy to take home to be a family pet. I’d never had a dog before and in truth was not completely sold on the idea but my daughter tactically (and emotionally!) outmanoeuvred me. My only real say […]

Independent custody visiting schemes across the UK have continued to monitor police custody throughout COVID19.  Through a combination of techniques including face-to-face visits, remote visits, custody record scrutiny and meetings with custody staff, ICV schemes have overseen custody and provided feedback on key issues throughout this time. Six months into the pandemic, ICVA has brought […]