|
Volunteers are being sought to visit police cells to provide
public reassurance about the treatment of detainees in police custody.
Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are members of local community who visit
police custody to check detainees’ rights, entitlements and conditions of
detention.
Police and Crime Commissioners have a statutory duty to provide custody
visiting. Devon and Cornwall’s Commissioner, Alison Hernandez, wants to hear
from anyone with an interest in the criminal justice system and human rights
to join the scheme.
“ICVs are an essential and valuable resource, providing the police with the
assurance that their custody centres are safe and legal,” she said.
“We want to ensure that we have a diverse and enthusiastic set of volunteers
across Devon and Cornwall to visit custody centres in Exeter, Torquay,
Plymouth, Barnstaple, Newquay and Camborne.
“Prospective ICVs do not need to have any experience, as all training will be
provided. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in a career in
the criminal justice system.”
During the early part of the Covid-19 pandemic, like many services, ICV
visits were temporarily suspended due to concern about the spread of the
virus. Alternative means of checking the treatment of detainees were conducted
but due to the essential nature of the visits and a mitigation of risk the
decision to resume custody visits was taken. Between April 2020 and March 31
2021 a total of 77 detainees were physically and 21 virtually seen as well as
a total of 72 detention logs checked.
ICV visits are unannounced and can take place at any time of the day or
night. Volunteers check detainees’ needs are being met whilst in custody.
This could be ensuring they have access to free legal advice, food and water
medication and sanitary protection. As well as speaking to detainees, they
assess conditions of detention and speak to custody officers. All expenses
are covered.
ICVs arrange their visits based on a roster and so can be planned around
their own busy personal and working lives. Visits are made as a pair, are
unannounced and can take one to two hours. Visitors generally visit
their two nearest stations.
For more information or a recruitment pack visit the Office and Police and
Crime Commissioner website here Become
an independent custody visitor | Devon and Cornwall PCC · Devon &
Cornwall Police & Crime Commissioner (devonandcornwall-pcc.gov.uk)
Thinking of applying and need support? The Positive Action Team aim to build
a workforce that reflects the rich diversity and complexities of our
communities. For further details and information on webinars register here(https://recruitment-dcp-dp.org/positive-action/)using Event Code ICV22.
If you have been a victim of
crime please report it to police, in an emergency call 999 or in a non
emergency call 101, webchat or email the police via devon-cornwall.police.uk.
Alternatively, to stay 100% anonymous, contact the independent charity
Crimestoppers online atCrimestoppers-uk.orgor call Freephone 0800 555 111.
Victims of Crime can get
free expert advice 24 hours a day from Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111 or
viavictimsupport.org.uk.
|
