What made you want to become an ICV?

There were many reasons why I chose to become an Independent Custody Visitor (ICV). Among these is the opportunity to help ensure that the rights given to detainees in Police Stations is being upheld. Another is the fantastic opportunity to learn new skills that are transferrable elsewhere.

Why do you think it’s important that ICV schemes have representatives from all sections of the community?

It is important for representatives of the ICV to come from all sections of the community as it gives people with skill sets that would be beneficial to the ICV a chance to apply them in the best interest of the Public where they might not have been able to before. It is also a way for people of the Public to identify with ICV Members and know that they are being represented.

How does your being from a BAME background contribute towards a scheme with effective oversight of police custody?

Being from a BAME Background may allow people such as myself to connect with members of BAME backgrounds in Police Custody and perhaps gain a better insight into their experience in Police Custody and if their rights are being upheld. This is not to say that no other member of the ICV not of a BAME Background cannot also do this but is merely a suggestion.

What do you enjoy most about being an ICV?

Being an ICV visitor has allowed me to join a great team of people who contain a wide variety of skills and experiences, who I may not have met outside of the ICV. Being able to gain a better insight into how the Police works and the people behind the uniforms is also a great opportunity that would be difficult to obtain elsewhere.