Independent Custody Visiting Scheme A Volunteering Opportunity like No Other

20th September 2019

• Are you interested in what goes on behind the scenes in police custody?

• Do you have a flair for bringing people together to make a positive difference?

• Do you want to gain unique experience like no other volunteering opportunity can offer?

West Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Mark Burns-Williamson is looking for community focused compassionate volunteers to join his Independent Custody Visitor (ICV) scheme.

ICVs have an independent role, checking that people held in police custody (not yet convicted of any offence) are being properly treated.

Custody Visitors are volunteers, over the age of 18, from a variety of backgrounds and different communities, all whom live or work within West Yorkshire.

They can enter a custody suite unannounced, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and are expected to make at least 24 visits spread evenly over a 12 month period.

Visitors speak directly to detained people to ensure that detainees understand their rights and entitlements whilst in custody, and check on their general feeling and welfare.

Visits are always conducted in pairs, and visitors report only to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC). Issues raised by ICVs are dealt with anonymously by the OPCC, and are taken up directly with West Yorkshire Police.

Mark Burns-Williamson, said "ICVs perform a crucial role in championing welfare and transparency. It is only right that this important work is carried out by independent volunteers from the local community.

"I am looking for people from any background and from all sections of our community who believe in upholding standards and care about the treatment of others.

"The recruitment windows closes on Sunday 20 October so if you would like to become an ICV or to find out more visit www.westyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/custody-visiting.aspx to download an application pack or call my office on 01924 294000."