Report Summary
This report provides members of the Scottish Police Authority Policing Performance Committee with an overview of the Independent Custody Visiting Scotland Annual Report 2024/25.
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Meeting
The publication discussed was referenced in the meeting below
Policing Performance Committee - 10 June 2025
Date : 10 June 2025
Location : online
Background
The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (‘the Act’) places a statutory duty on the Scottish Police Authority to maintain and manage the Independent Custody Visiting Scotland (ICVS) Scheme to monitor the welfare of people detained in police custody facilities throughout Scotland.
Chapter 16 of the Act states that ICVS is to provide independent monitoring of Police Scotland custody to ensure that detainees are being treated fairly, with dignity and respect and in accordance with the United Nations Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). OPCAT recognises that people who have been detained are particularly vulnerable and requires nation states to set up a national body that can support efforts to prevent ill-treatment in custody settings.
The 2024/25 Annual Report is attached in Appendix A. The Report highlights the activities, insights and independent assurance provided by ICVS. The scheme consists of 81 active Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) supported by a National Manager and three Regional Coordinators.
