Independent Custody Visiting Scotland

Since 1 April 2013, the Scottish Police Authority has had a statutory duty to maintain and manage an Independent Custody Visiting Scheme (ICVS) to monitor the welfare of people detained in police custody facilities throughout Scotland.

Independent Custody Visitors are volunteer members of the local community who visit police stations unannounced to check on the treatment of detainees, the conditions in which they are being held and that their rights and entitlements are being observed. We manage approximately 140 volunteer visitors across Scotland.

The SPA's ICV scheme helps ensure that the Authority is meeting its obligations to ensure equality, diversity and that we are protecting human rights. It also helps to ensure that Scotland is doing everything it can in its public services to meet international standards set by the United Nations in its Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT).

The SPA produces an annual review of ICVS activities. You can read previous reviews from the links below: