Avon and Somerset Police are on the lookout for a number of volunteers to visit local police stations and ensure detainees in custody are being correctly looked after.
Independent custody visiting is a vital part of the work of the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner in ensuring the police service is open and accountable to the people it serves.
Avon and Somerset Police currently have vacancies and are recruiting in Yeovil, Bridgwater, Patchway and Keynsham.
It is the well-established system whereby volunteers visit police stations to check on the detainees in custody, the conditions in which they are held and that their rights and entitlements are being observed.
This offers protection to both detainees and the police and allows members of the public a real insight into conditions in custody.
The statutory responsibility for the delivery of independent custody visiting has transferred from police authorities to Police and Crime Commissioners (in consultation with Chief Constables).
The vast majority of the public will never see the inside of a police cell. The facilities offered are basic and are designed to hold people securely and safely for a short time to enable an investigation to take place – for most people less than 6 hours.
Custody visitors visit detained people to ensure that they have been offered their legal entitlements whilst also checking on their welfare.
If you are interested and would like to apply to become an independent custody visitor, click on this link www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk for more details.
