Custody Visiting Scheme
A Custody Visit
When Custody Visitors arrive at a Police Station, a Police Officer (usually the custody sergeant), will tell the Custody Visitors how many people are in custody. The Custody Visitors are not told the names of anyone who is in custody or why they are there.
Interviews with people held in custody are normally carried out within sight of a police officer. Custody Visitors will be advised about any person who is thought to be dangerous.
Custody Visitors ask questions to people held in custody about how they have been treated. They check that they have been given their rights and that the facilities they are being held in are adequate.
A book of report forms are kept at each police station and a report form is completed after each visit. A copy of the report form is left at the police station, one copy is forwarded to the Police Force Liaison Officer (a Police Officer of the rank of Chief Inspector) and another copy is sent to the Police Board.