Independent Custody Visitors visited custody 142 times during 2024-25

Our Independent Custody Visitors Scheme have released their annual report of findings from 2024-2025.

The Scheme provides independent scrutiny of Avon and Somerset Police, to make sure that those detained in custody are being treated fairly and in accordance with Code C of the 1984 Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE).

A summary in numbers:

• 26 custody visitors making visits, spanning a range of different ages and backgrounds
• 3 different custody suites visited throughout the year – Patchway, Bridgwater and Keynsham
• 142 visits completed (that’s at least one visit every seven days, at each of the three custody units)

Main areas of concern for ICVs:

• Staffing levels
• Sleeping reviews
• The availability of books, reading materials and fidget toys
• The provision of Health Care Professionals (HCPs)

Carrie, ICV Coordinator in Bridgwater said, “Concerns about the shortage of appropriate adults and translators remain. Recently we have noticed an apparent lack of notification given to detainees for whom a review occurred whilst they were asleep. We will continue to monitor this and raise in our reports. We have been pleased to see that stocks of distraction (Fidget) toys and reading glasses have been sourced and we will look to see that they are routinely offered where appropriate. We have renewed our appeal for books and magazines for custody.”

You can read examples where ICVs have affected change over the year in the ICV Annual Report