Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Sue Mountstevens is on the lookout for local residents to become Independent Custody Visitor Volunteers in Keynsham.
Independent Custody Visiting is an important part of the office of the PCC, and Ms Mountstevens is looking for people from Keynsham and surrounding area to join the team.
As an Independent Custody Visiting Volunteer, you will be responsible for visiting Custody Units unannounced, in pairs and checking on the welfare of those in Police Custody and ensuring Detainee Rights and Entitlements are being observed.
If the Custody Visitors find any issues, these are raised with the Officer in charge of the Custody Unit.
The Custody Visitors complete an electronic report of each visit, which is automatically sent to the PCC’s office to review and take any action.
PCC Sue Mountstevens said: “This is a great opportunity for someone who is looking for an exciting and rewarding local volunteering role in and around Keynsham.
“We want to ensure the policing service is open and accountable for the people it serves.
“By gaining independent insight into Police custody and reporting findings, we can ensure policing is transparent and that local people have confidence in their Police Service. Do something different and become an Independent Custody Visiting Volunteer.”
Volunteers Management and Policy Officer, Kathryn Palmer, added: “Training will be provided to new Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) as well as an introduction to the Panel Coordinator, Custody Inspector and other ICV members, including updates at quarterly Panel meetings.
“Part of the initial training includes shadowing a more experienced ICV member and a tour of the Custody Unit by a Custody Officer.”
If you are 18 and above, live or work in the Avon and Somerset Constabulary area, have not had any direct involvement in the Police or criminal justice system and could carry out the role of a Custody Visitor with an objective point of view and with equality in mind, then the PCC’s office wants to hear from you.
Independent Custody Visitors are required to attend one visit a month and four meetings a year. Travel expenses are paid and training is provided.
If you are interest in applying to become an Independent Custody Visiting volunteer or finding our more about Custody visiting in Keynsham, visit: https://www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk/Take-Part/Custody-Visiting.aspx