The South Yorkshire Police Authority runs an Independent Custody Visiting Scheme which enables independent members of the community to visit police stations, at any time, to observe, comment and report on the treatment and conditions of those being detained in police custody . The role of the Independent Custody Visitor is not to advise or aid detainees in any way but to check on the way police officers carry out their duties with regard to detained persons.
The Authority is indebted to its Independent Custody Visitors who undertake this important voluntary work. Their efforts have helped the Authority and police service to ensure that those held in custody are properly treated in accordance with the rules laid down. The Business Support Committee receives regular reports from the visitors.
The Independent Custody Visiting Association is a voluntary organisation that promotes the custody visiting process nationally, through advocacy, training, publicity and ongoing support to all involved in the process.