VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK: CELEBRATING SOUTH YORKSHIRE’S INDEPENDENT CUSTODY VISITORS
Published 2 June 2025 at 1:53pm
As part of Volunteers’ Week, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kilvinder Vigurs is recognising the invaluable contribution of volunteers who support South Yorkshire’s Independent Custody Visiting Scheme (ICV); a vital initiative that protects the rights and welfare of people in police custody.Independent Custody Visitors are trained volunteers, who make unannounced visits to custody suites across South Yorkshire, in Sheffield, Doncaster and Barnsley. Their role is to check on the treatment and wellbeing of detainees, ensuring that custody is a safe, transparent, and accountable environment.
Thanking ICVs across South Yorkshire, in her first week as Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kilvinder Vigurs, said:
“Volunteers are at the heart of the Independent Custody Visiting Scheme in South Yorkshire. This week is an opportunity to thank these dedicated individuals who give their time to uphold fairness and dignity in the criminal justice system. Their work ensures that detainees are treated with respect and that their rights are protected.
“I want to personally thank every volunteer for their commitment and compassion. Their presence brings transparency to policing and helps build public confidence in how we care for people in custody.
“Making custody a safe and humane environment is not just a legal duty, it’s a reflection of our values as a community.”
Kilvinder added:
“I’m also keen to highlight the other opportunities to volunteer within policing more widely, whether that’s as a Special Constable, a Police Cadet, a Police Support Volunteer or as a member of one of our independent advisory groups. There are many ways that you can give time to help make a real difference and support your local community.”
Find out more about the Independent Custody Visiting Scheme here.
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