Hampshire Police Authority Item 10

24 March, 2003

Hampshire Independent Custody Visiting Scheme - July to December, 2002

Report of the Clerk

1. Introduction

1.1. This report reviews the progress of the Hampshire Independent Custody Visiting Scheme for the period July to December, 2002 and attaches as Appendices the six monthly progress reports from the four Panel Convenors.

2. The Current Position

2.1. Following four training days held at various locations throughout Hampshire at the end of November/beginning of December, 2002, an additional 20 new Custody Visitors have completed their initial introduction to the Scheme. They have now commenced a six month probationary period on their individual Panels.

2.2. There are currently 78 Independent Custody Visitors in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. A total of 224 custody visits were carried out during the period July to December, 2002 which is an increase of 6 visits over the same period last year and 20 more than in 2000. The Panels should be commended for this considerable achievement.

3. Further Recruitment

3.1. A number of vacancies still remain spread across the four Panels and a further recruitment campaign will take place later in the year particularly to deal with shortages on the Isle of Wight and South East Panels.

4. Police Reform Act 2002 - Retiring Police Authority Members

4.1. As reported to the meeting of the Authority in September, 2002, Police Authority Members will no longer be able to act as ICVs from 1 April, 2003. Members affected are Mr. R. Gully, Mr. G.M. King JP and Mrs. C. Barratt.

4.2. Although the Authority will continue to receive six monthly update reports on the progress of the Scheme it is also suggested that the Authority nominates a link Member to each of the Panels who could be invited to attend quarterly meetings. In addition, the Scheme Administrator will issue a general invitation to all Members to attend the Annual Seminar held at Netley.

5. Conclusion

5.1. The Authority is asked to note that none of the Custody Visits carried out during the period July to December, 2002 highlighted any significant areas of concern and no breaches of the Code of Practice governing the treatment and welfare of detainees were detected.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

(a) That the report be noted.

(b) That the Authority nominates a link Member to each of the four Custody Visiting Panels.

(c) That Independent Custody Visitors be thanked for continuing to ensure the high standards of the Hampshire Scheme.

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