VOLUNTEERS are being sought to scrutinise police across Warrington and Cheshire on how they ensure the welfare of people while being held in custody.
The office of Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer is looking for Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs)
There are currently three custody suites operated by Cheshire Police in Chester, Runcorn and Middlewich and ICVs make unannounced visits and speak with detainees, ensuring they have received access to things they are entitled to including food and drink, solicitors and appropriate adults, and phone calls.
As well as speaking to people in custody, ICVs speak to staff at the custody suite and health care professionals in order to ensure the overall environment is suitable to ensure detainee welfare.
As a result of their observations on custody suite visits, ICVs are able to make recommendations which require the police to improve their detainee welfare processes and standards. They are in a unique position to influence the way Cheshire Constabulary operates and assist the Commissioner in holding the police to account.
Visits are always conducted in pairs on a rota basis, meaning ICVs will carry out visits with different people. They can be arranged at the convenience of the ICVs carrying out the visit and will typically take an hour to complete. Initial training is provided, as well as any follow-up training an ICV feels they may need.
Ian Berry, Independent Custody Visitor, said: “When I retired, I wanted to remain mentally active and be involved in something different from the work I had done in my career I also recognised that interaction with people had been an important and enjoyable feature in my life and volunteering presented an opportunity for me to maintain this.
“This is a great opportunity to do something different, interesting and rewarding. If you work, it will give you a change from the day to day work. If you don’t work it will provide an activity to enhance your life, using your valuable skills and experience. I would encourage anyone to give it a try!”
To find out more ICV and to apply, visit www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/volunteering/independent-custody-visitor
If you would like an informal chat about becoming an ICV contact [email protected] FAO Karolina Kardas, Research and Volunteer Support Officer.
Applications must be received by 23:59 on Sunday March.10.
