Leicestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Sir Clive Loader, is on the lookout for people willing to give up their time to visit the police custody cells – on a voluntary basis. He is seeking members of the local community to join his group of Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) covering Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Independent Custody Visiting is a voluntary role, whereby the ICVs pay visits to police custody suites across the Leicestershire force area, without any advance notice, providing an impartial check on the conditions and welfare of those being held in police custody.
Sir Clive explained: “The Independent Custody Visiting Scheme is run by my office to provide independent verification that detainees are being looked after according to the regulations. It is a reassurance for everyone concerned. Independent Custody Visiting is primarily designed to highlight any current or potential issues in the custody areas. If there is a problem or complaint, most issues are dealt with at the time however more serious issues are forwarded to the police to resolve and the outcome is reported back to me.
“But I also believe that the fact that custody suites are subjected to an independent assessment gives members of the public greater confidence in the custody system; it’s important that they know that these inspections are made. This is an interesting and valuable role that doesn’t take up too much time. I am tremendously grateful to those people who give up their time to carry it out.”
To join this scheme, you must live in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland and be over 18 years of age with no direct involvement in the criminal justice system. It will suit people who are observant, good listeners and interested in policing.
Interested candidates will be interviewed and those selected will be given training to enable them to carry out their visits to maximum effect.
To apply, or for more information, interested parties can visit the website at www.leics.pcc.police.uk/Take-Part/Independent-Custody-Visitors, telephone - 0116 229 8980, text - 07847 359130, email - police.commissioner@leics.pcc.pnn.gov.uk or write to Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, St Johns, Enderby, Leicester, LE19 2BX.
The closing date for completed applications is Friday 20 September 2013. Interviews will be held during the weeks commencing 30 September 2013 and 7 October 2013 at Police Headquarters, Enderby. Successful applicants will be appointed from 1 January 2014.
Further information on custody visiting can also be found at the Independent Custody Visiting Association’s website at http://www.icva.org.uk/
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Posted on Monday 9th May 2016