PCC Seeks Independent Custody Visitors for Vital Volunteering Role
Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, is seeking to recruit volunteers for the Independent Custody Visitors Scheme, with vacancies for members on the Kendal panel.
Custody Visitors make weekly unannounced visits to all of Cumbria Police’s designated custody facilities. Custody visiting is a national scheme and is a vital service to provide reassurance to the public that people who are arrested and detained in custody are afforded their legal rights and treated appropriately whilst in the cells.
Peter McCall said: “I am putting out a plea to those in the county who are looking for an interesting and rewarding volunteer role, to consider putting their names forward for this. I know from some of the Custody Visitors that I have met that they feel, quite rightly, that they do make a difference. This is an opportunity to offer protection to both detainees and the police and reassurance to the community at large and gain an insight into the criminal justice system.
“Our aim is that the panels should reflect the make-up of the communities they represent, and we therefore welcome applications from all age groups and all walks of life.” There are four dedicated panels of visitors who visit every week of the year in pairs at all times of day and night. They report on both the welfare of detainees and conditions within the Police Station and help to ensure that both Police and the public can have the highest confidence in the safety and welfare of those who are detained.
The Scheme provides full training and support and members have the opportunity to attend regular meetings and conferences to develop their skills. The posts are voluntary and unpaid, but travelling expenses are reimbursed.
If you live in Cumbria and would be interested in volunteering for this valuable public service role, you can get more information from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s website at www.cumbria-pcc.gov.uk/recruitment or you can call the Scheme Administrator on 01768 217734 for more detail.
The closing date for completed application forms is 5pm on Friday 17 November 2017
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