A new cohort of volunteers are wanted to help the counties’ Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews maintain top standards across the force’s custody facilities.
The volunteers will join the PCC’s Independent Custody Visiting Scheme undertaking unannounced visits to Leicester Police’s three custody suites at Beaumont Leys, Euston Street and Keyham Lane in pairs to report on cell conditions and the welfare of people held in police custody.
The scheme is a vital part of the Commissioner’s work to deliver accountability to the public and maintain the integrity and transparency of the force’s custody provision.
Mr Matthews strongly values the contribution of all policing volunteers in the city and two counties and has pledged to increase opportunities for residents to take an active role in policing and community safety through volunteering roles.
“I am extremely proud of the work of my Independent Custody Visitors and the professionalism and dedication they invest in their work,” he said.
“During the past year, this team has retained the Investing in Volunteers Award for the fourth time running and has also been granted a Gold Award for Quality Assurance from the Independent Custody Visiting Association – the national body set up to oversee this important service.
“Policing would not be as effective as it is without the support and commitment of all of our policing volunteers. The contribution of our ICVs especially has continued to improve standards and ensure our facilities and custody processes adhere to the strictest welfare standards.
“We are now in a position where we can expand our volunteer base and I would urge anyone with an interest in policing to take up this worthwhile opportunity to join the ICV scheme. You will not only be giving something back to your community but will also be a joining an award-winning team that is respected nationally for its work.”
Applicants do not need any prior experience to become an ICV and volunteers will be recruited from all walks of life. The Commissioner is particularly keen to build a volunteer base which fairly represents the diverse population of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
During 2021-22, ICVs carried out 86 visits in Leicestershire and saw 626 detainees. To ensure inspections remain unpredictable and irregular, the visits take place across 35 timeslots in any 24-hour period.
During visits, ICVs speak to detainees to ensure they are being treated fairly, ensure the detainees receive their rights and entitlements and also examine the conditions of cells and the custody suite as a whole, bringing any issues to the attention of the Custody Sergeant. During visits ICVs complete a visit report form electronically which is sent to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).
ICVs must be over 18 but there is no upper age limit and they will receive full training for the role. The deadline for applications is Sunday 6th November 2022.
For more information and to apply, visit https://www.leics.pcc.police.uk/Home.aspx
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Posted on Tuesday 18th October 2022