SCHEME FOR CUSTODY VISITING TO POLICE STATIONS IN LINCOLNSHIRE

Section 6 - Accreditation and Training

65. In order to ensure that potential visitors are sufficiently aware of the relevant requirements of the law and Force instructions in respect of the care and custody of prisoners, and to enable them to carry out their function in an efficient and credible manner, it will be a pre-requisite of their authorisation that they attend an initial training course arranged by the Police Authority.
    
    The necessary training can helpfully be divided into three broad areas.
    
    

Initial training

66. Covers the basic knowledge and skills required to carry out independent custody visits effectively. It is likely to require a minimum of one whole day, supported by appropriate pre-reading. Key contents will include:
    
    
    • The purpose of and background to independent custody visiting.
      
      
    • The relevant aspects of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and of its associated Code C covering Detention, Treatment and Questioning.
      
      
    • Current Home Office guidance, such as this circular.
      
      
    • Local guidance, conditions of service and working practices.
      
      
    • The basic practicalities of conducting independent custody visits.
      
      
    • Communication skills to assist effective contact with detainees and custody staff.
      
      
    • Equal opportunities and race awareness issues.
      
      
    • Health and Safety issues.
      
      
    • Data protection considerations.
      
      

Induction training

67. The Memorandum of Understanding agreed between the Police Authority and new visitors will include references to training arrangements and to a six-month probationary period during which experience will be acquired in a supportive environment. Only once that initial period has been successfully completed will full visitor status be granted.
    
    
68. The probationary period will be based around the carrying out of visits in tandem with experienced colleagues. This will involve developing and consolidating skills at the police station, as well as discussing, at local panel level, practical issues and difficulties after visits have been completed.
    
    

Refresher training

69. Under the Memorandum of Understanding, visitors will be required to attend at least one session of training per year to refresh and enhance their general skills and knowledge. There may also be specific issues to address in relation to changing legal, procedural and Health and Safety requirements, developing best practice or practical issues emerging from the visiting process. Meetings between members of local visiting panels will also provide an opportunity to share information and experience. The Annual Meeting of the Lincolnshire ICV and other conferences/gatherings organised by the ICVA provide further opportunities to benefit from others’ knowledge and experience.
    
    

Evaluating training

70. Visitors in receipt of training will be required to complete an evaluation form focusing on the effectiveness and format of the course so that any necessary changes can be made to future delivery.
    
    

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Independent Custody Visiting