As part of his drive to improve public trust and confidence in the police, Rupert Matthews is seeking dynamic and passionate volunteers to oversee the welfare of people being held in police custody.
The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner is recruiting a new cohort of Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) to scrutinise detention standards across the force's three custody suites and ensure detainees are receiving appropriate care and entitlements.
ICVs undertake unannounced visits in pairs to one of three custody suites in Leicester: Beaumont Leys, Euston Street and Keyham Lane, where people are brought following arrest.
During visits, they speak to detainees to ensure they are being treated fairly and that their needs and entitlements are being met and inspect the conditions of the cells and custody accommodation as a whole. Where issues are identified, these are raised with the Custody Sergeant and included in an electronic report which is sent to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).
To be eligible, volunteers must be aged 18 or over and live, work or study in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
He said: "The very independence of Custody Visitors gives the public confidence in the standards upheld in police custody. ICVs help me build public trust in policing and ensure the process of holding people in custody is open, transparent and accountable.
"I am proud of the time and commitment our ICVs invest in their work. They have made many improvements and are valued members of the policing family.
"I would urge anyone with a genuine interest in protecting the rights of those in custody, some of whom may be vulnerable, please consider joining our dedicated ICV team."
New ICVs are provided with full training and receive ongoing support by the Scheme Manager. They will undertake a 'mock' visit to familiarise themselves with the role and will have the option of having a 'buddy' to support their development.
ICV volunteer Rosemary Hall said: "I enjoy going to different custody suites, most importantly to ensure as a member of the public that detainees are actually being treated with the dignity and respect they deserve."
If you are interested or want to find out more, please visit https://bit.ly/3Q2mm2Q.
Closing date: Friday 22 December 2023 at 23:55
