MERSEYIDE'S police commissioner is urging people to help make a contribution to policing by volunteering to become independent custody visitors.
Emily Spurrell is looking to recruit more volunteers to be part of an important scheme through which people check on welfare of those detained in police custody.
The programme was established following the investigation into the Brixton riots in 1981 and is now the responsibility of police and crime commissioners to operate in their respective areas across the country.
Under the scheme volunteers make random, unannounced visits of police cells to check on conditions and make sure those being held are being cared for appropriately.
It gives members of the public an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of Merseyside Police, while gaining a real insight into how an important police function is carried out.
A team of 16 volunteers currently dedicate their time to the scheme, but the Police Commissioner is hoping to double this number and have up to 32 volunteers involved.
Emily said: "Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) perform a crucial role and it's only right that this important work is carried out by volunteers from the local community.
“Detainees are potentially vulnerable and visits by our ICV volunteers are a key protection for them, ensuring their legal entitlements and rights are respected.
“This is a volunteering opportunity like no other, through which volunteers can gain a unique insight into how our police service operates and play their part in promoting the highest standards of service."
Miss Spurrell, pictured during recent visit to custody suite, continued: "This is a hugely interesting and rewarding role and I am looking for compassionate, community-spirited people, from any background and from all sections of our community, who believe in upholding standards and care about the treatment of others."
The ICV scheme in Merseyside has been in operation since April 1984, when 20 members of the public were trained as visitors.
ICVs must have good observational and thinking skills, strong ethical principles and be able to maintain confidentiality. They should also be comfortable challenging authority if required. Ideally the volunteers will also come from a range of backgrounds, ages and experience.
ICV Chair Ruth Rogers said: “I have been a custody visitor for six years and was appointed recently as Chair of the scheme.
“The scheme has immense value in providing some scrutiny of the police and support for people in custody who are often highly vulnerable. We are independent of the police and report to Emily Spurrell, the Police and Crime Commissioner.
“Our reports are viewed by the Criminal Justice command team who are responsible for custody and our presence is valued not just by those in custody but also by the officers and staff who see it as validation of the work they do to keep people save in sometimes difficult circumstances.
“The flexibility of visiting times makes it ideal for those people who have other interests and commitments.
“Please do consider volunteering for this important role.”
Volunteers must be over 18 years old and live or work in the Merseyside area. Full training will be given. It is expected that volunteers make a minimum of one visit a month.
If you are interested in applying, please find out more at https://www.merseysidepcc.info/ICVrecruitment
The deadline for applications is Sunday, October 10.
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