The aim of custody visiting is to promote public confidence in policing by ensuring that policing activity is more publicly accessible, more easily scrutinised and subject to greater questioning and comment.

In what used to be a closed operational area of policing work, it is important that the public have faith in the integrity of police officers. We all want the reassurance of knowing that if a close friend or relative of our own were to be detained, someone independent has made checks to ensure their welfare is protected.

Pairs of trained custody visitors make random unannounced checks to custody units in their area. After talking to detainees and observing the operation of the custody suites, custody visitors must write a report so that the Police Authority and the officer in charge of the station can follow up any required actions.

The officer in charge of the station investigates any negative comment made by custody visitors. That officer then writes, within 10 working days, to each custody visitor responding to their comments. Where a comment relates to a matter which has implications across the whole area, it is sent to an Assistant Chief Constable for further investigation.

We study both the reports and the responses to make sure the scheme is meeting its objectives. We also monitor the whole Scheme to identify any trends and to produce quarterly and annual statistics.

Reports rarely make any major adverse comment on the welfare of individual detainees. However, they are often able to bring about improvements in accommodation and facilities in police stations. We monitor the whole scheme to identify any trends and to produce quarterly and annual statistics.

West Midlands Police Authority regularly recruits new volunteer custody visitors and full training is provided.

No special qualifications are necessary, but custody visitors should have broadly based interests in the local community as well as being capable of making unbiased observations and informed judgements. The minimum amount of time spent on duty is approximately 4 hours per month.

The Authority seeks to ensure that members of the custody-visiting panel fairly represent the make-up of the West Midlands in terms of age, gender, ethnic background and social background.

More details about your area

If you would like to know more about custody visiting in your area, please contact the Authority on 0121 626 5873.