The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Humberside has been rewarded with the highest possible grading for the quality of its independent custody visiting scheme.
Managed by the OPCC, a team of trained volunteers from the local community make regular unannounced visits to police custody suites to check on the welfare and rights of detainees, with findings reported to the Police and Crime Commissioner via scheme manager Vincent Leyenda.
The OPCC Humberside was presented with a Platinum quality assurance award by the Independent Custody Visiting Association (ICVA) at a ceremony in London on July 8. Platinum is the highest achievable grading and acknowledges a scheme as providing an outstanding standard of custody visiting and volunteer management.
The ICVA supports, leads and represents the schemes and assesses how well they comply with the code of practice governing custody visiting. Each level of the assurance awards contains more than 25 criteria including key areas such as holding the force to account and requiring evidence to support assessment visits.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside Jonathan Evison said: “I am immensely proud of our Independent Custody Visiting scheme for achieving the prestigious Platinum accreditation from the ICVA.
“This recognition is a testament to the dedication, integrity and diligence our volunteers bring to their role every single day. Their commitment ensures that transparency and human rights remain at the heart of our custody environment.
“I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the staff within my office, whose hard work and support are instrumental in maintaining the high standards that have made this accreditation possible.”
OPCC Humberside ICV scheme manager Vince Leyenda said: “Ever since taking on the role of ICV scheme manager in 2023, it has been a real pleasure and privilege to work alongside an exceptional group of people.
“I want to thank our amazing volunteers for their unwavering commitment and the passion they bring to their visits, often in challenging circumstances.
“It is their dedication to ensure the welfare of detainees that truly defines the success of the scheme and I am incredibly proud to support such a vital and professional team as we continue to strive for excellence.”
ICVA chair Dame Anne Owers said: “Once again, these awards show the value and importance of independent custody visiting with even more schemes being awards the top Platinum grading. This also reflects the crucial work that ICVA does in providing support and training for volunteers and schemes across the country.”
ICVA chief executive Sherry Ralph said: “The quality assurance framework represents a significant and growing commitment from schemes to ensure that independent custody visiting is regularly reviewed, improvements are made where needed and excellent practice is shared.
“This year we have also strengthened or approach by introducing a greater focus on volunteer voices, ensuring the experience and perspectives of independent custody visitors are embedded within schemes and reflected in assessments, particularly at the higher levels of framework.
“I congratulate schemes on their accomplishments and thank them for their continued dedication and commitment.”
For more information on the ICV scheme and details on becoming a volunteer, click HERE.
