POLICE and Crime Commissioner John Campion is keen to hear from people interested in volunteering as Custody Visitors in West Mercia.
Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) make unannounced visits to police custody suites to check that the people who have been detained are being treated fairly and properly, and that the police are following all the correct rules and procedures.
These volunteers are recruited by the Commissioner from the local community and are independent of the police service. The play a vital role in not only monitoring the welfare of people in police custody, but also strengthening public confidence in police practices.
Commissioner John Campion said: “I am passionate about giving members of the public the opportunity to get more involved in policing and to volunteer their time to make a valuable contribution to their communities.
“The work of the ICVs is crucial in providing transparency and confidence in policing. I know, from speaking to our existing volunteers, that they find the role incredibly rewarding. It’s a great opportunity to get a glimpse into an area of policing that not many members of the public would come into contact with.”
Volunteering as an ICV doesn’t require a lot of time, but flexibility is helpful as custody suites need to be visited at least once a week – sometimes during unsocial hours. Training and support will be given in order to carry out the role.
More information on the role and how to apply can be found on the Commissioner’s website: https://www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk/working-together/current-vacancies/
For a video that features an existing ICV describing the role visit: https://youtu.be/Ysq33CpNwb0
