Cleveland’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Steve Turner is looking for compassionate, caring and impartial volunteers to join his Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) scheme.
ICVS are volunteers with a vital role in checking on the welfare of people held in police custody.
They make sure detainees – who have not yet been convicted of an offence – are treated properly.
As part of the scheme, volunteers make unannounced visits to police custody. They talk to detainees and make sure they understand their rights and entitlements. During the visit, they also check on detainees’ welfare.
As part of their visits, ICVs look at the conditions, in which detainees are held, and submit reports to the PCC.
ICV recommendations may require police to make improvements to make detainees’ welfare better.
Valuable role in maintaining public confidence
Working as part of a local panel, volunteers play a valuable role in maintaining public confidence in this vital area of policing by ensuring detainees are treated well.
Steve Turner, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, said: “The ICV scheme is a vital part of a PCC’s job to scrutinise the work of Cleveland Police and to hold the force to account on behalf of the public in Cleveland
“I am looking for people from any background and from all sections of the community to apply for this opportunity. It will support me and my scrutiny of Cleveland Police.
“It’s really important that this work is carried out independently by community members. This ensures the care and treatment of detainees is upheld at all times and builds public confidence in policing”
To find out more about the role and how to apply please contact the Elise Pout, ICV Scheme Manager, at [email protected] or visit Independent Custody Visitors Scheme – Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner (pcc.police.uk)
Deadline for applications is 20 September 2021.