The Police Commissioner is seeking volunteers to join the Independent Custody Visiting scheme in Merseyside to check on the welfare of people detained in police custody.
Closing date: 28/04/24
Salary: Voluntary
Employment type: Independent Custody Visitor
Emily Spurrell is responsible for the region’s Independent Custody Visiting scheme, which sees volunteers from the local community undertake random, unannounced visits of police cells to make sure those being held are being cared for appropriately by checking on the conditions and talking with willing detainees.
An Independent Custody Visitor (ICV) usually conducts one custody visit a month ensuring that detainees have been informed of their rights and know the reason why they are in custody.
ICVs also make sure that detainees have been offered food and drink, are warm enough, cells are in a reasonable condition and that religious and cultural needs have been considered. Any problems identified by ICVs are brought to the attention of custody staff and the OPCC. ICV recommendations can require the police to make improvements for the welfare of detainees and therefore they play a valuable role in maintaining public confidence in this important area of policing.
There are no qualifications needed but applicants must;
- Be over 18 years of age.
- Live or work in Merseyside.
- Have good communication skills.
- Have the time and flexibility to carry out the role of custody visiting (at least one custody visit a month).
- Be independent from the police, impartial and work in a non-discriminatory way.
- Be able to maintain confidentiality.
- ICVs cannot be serving Magistrates, police officers, police community support officers (PCSO), special constables, police staff or OPCC staff.
Ideally, ICVs will also come from a range of backgrounds, ages and experience. Successful applicants will be given full training in order to prepare them for the role.
Please note all travel expenses are reimbursed to volunteers.
To apply
If you would like to apply to be an ICV, please complete the application form and equality and diversity monitoring form below and forward to the OPCC via email or post at the contact details below.
Email: [email protected]
Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside,
Mather Avenue Training Centre,
Mather Avenue,
Liverpool,
L18 9TG.
For more information, please refer to the recruitment pack below. If you have any other queries, do not hesitate to get in contact with the OPCC on the email address or telephone number provided.
Tel: 0151 777 5155