Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen is on the hunt for dynamic and driven volunteers who can help provide oversight of police custody processes and the welfare of detainees.
The new recruits will become part of the Commissioner’s Independent Custody Visitor (ICV) scheme making unannounced visits to the new Durham Investigative Hub near Spennymoor – one of the most advanced policing facilities of its kind in the country - to scrutinise detention standards across all custody suites and ensure detainees are receiving appropriate care and entitlements.
The recently completed two-storey Hub boasts 48 modern custody cells in addition to office space, interview rooms and Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) provision, sprawled across more than 6,600m2of modern accommodation. It also houses evidence stores, virtual courts, CCTV, an energy centre, medical facilities and forensic examination rooms.
Alongside bespoke accommodation and modern waiting areas, the Hub provides 24/7 health care by qualified medical staff to monitor and maintain the health and safety of detainees.
The new cohort of volunteers will play a vital role in supporting the Commissioner’s work to hold Durham Constabulary and the Chief Constable to account and to increase trust and confidence in policing services by maintaining the highest standards of custody care and provision.
ICVs will make regular visits to the Hub to speak to detainees to ensure they are being treated fairly and that their entitlements are being met. They will also inspect the conditions of the cells and custody accommodation and review custody records to ensure staff are complying with their responsibilities, particularly in relation to vulnerable or young detainees.
Where issues are identified, these will be raised with the Custody Sergeant and included in an electronic report which is sent to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).
Announcing the recruitment campaign in Volunteers’ Week, Commissioner Joy Allen said: “Volunteers make a huge difference to the force area, especially within policing. My Independent Custody Visitor (ICV) scheme is a perfect example, where people donate their time freely to protect the rights of those who find themselves in police custody and help to improve standards of custody care.
“Our ICV scheme is entering an exciting period in its history with the recent opening of a state-of-the-art and centralised custody centre. Our new cohort of volunteers will play a critical role in driving further improvements in our processes and procedures to ensure Durham not only delivers the very best quality of care to detainees but is held aloft as a beacon of good practice nationally.
“This is an opportunity to provide a voice for people who may be vulnerable and underrepresented. If you believe in fairness and equality and have a genuine interest in protecting the rights of vulnerable people, please consider joining our dedicated ICV team - your support is highly valued and appreciated.”
To volunteer as an ICV, applicants must be at least 18 years old, living, working or studying in the police area and have been resident in the UK for at least three years prior to the date of the application.
To apply visit: https://www.durham-pcc.gov.uk/vacancies/independent-custody-visitor-volunteer.
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