The Scottish Police Authority (SPA) has today (24 December) published an annual review of the work of the SPA’s Independent Custody Visiting team during 2020-21.
The Independent Custody Visiting scheme offers independent assurance that Police Scotland is treating detainees with dignity and respect and that police custody in Scotland is upholding international standards set by the United Nations to prevent torture, cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment of detainees.
The review reports on the activities, insights and independent assurance provided by the scheme, which is delivered by 114 independent volunteer visitors supported by a small team of SPA Corporate staff. In reporting on the activity throughout the year, the review highlights that the independent custody visitors did not identify any issues or breaches of those United Nations standards.
During the year all those involved had to adapt at pace to ensure that the service continued. Public health measures and social distancing saw unannounced face-to-face visits from March 2020 replaced by telephone visits for the mutual safety of visitors, custody staff and detainees. More than 1000 dip sample reviews and 800 telephone or virtual unannounced ‘visits’ were conducted during the reporting period, with face-to-face visits reintroduced in August 2021.
Jane Ryder, Vice Chair of the SPA, said:
“The ICV scheme offers important independent insight and assurance as to the operation of custody in Scotland, meeting international standards and treating detainees with dignity and respect.
"In publishing the ICVS Annual Report, the SPA thanks the independent visitors and the SPA team for their commitment and resilience in adapting and ensuring the service has continued to fulfil its vital role throughout the pandemic.”
Article initially published 24 December 2021