Volunteers needed to assess and scrutinise the standard of Wiltshire Police’s custody facilities

Thursday, 4 July 2024 01:00

People interested in scrutinising police standards and speaking up for the vulnerable can now apply to become a volunteer Independent Custody Visitor within the Police and Crime Commissioner's office.

Independent Custody Visitor (ICV) volunteers provide extra protection to detainees by providing independent scrutiny of their treatment and the conditions of custody in which they are held, whether in Gablecross in Swindon or Melksham Police Station.

Each custody suite is scrutinised by a team of ICVs, who work in pairs when visiting and are required to visit custody several times a year.

Volunteers are given guidance and training to assist them in understanding the demands and requirements placed on officers in this testing area of policing. However, they do not need to be experts in police practice.

These roles will support the PCC in delivering the four priorities set out in his Making Wiltshire Safer: Police and Crime Plan 2022-25.

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: "Volunteers give up their own time to make a real difference to their communities and help make Wiltshire a safer place to live and work. I’m constantly struck by their outstanding efforts which are unpaid and often, unseen.

“The ICV scheme enables me to ensure the police force has the right facilities to provide an effective service - which is a main priority in my police and crime plan – as well as scrutinising the treatment of detainees and ensuring their rights are met.

“By giving approved members of the local community an opportunity to observe, comment and report on these matters, I hope to reassure the community, improve citizens' understanding of procedures at police stations and strengthen their confidence that these are being properly applied.”

In November, Wiltshire’s ICV scheme was nationally recognised under the Independent Custody Visiting Association’s (ICVA) Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) and presented with a code-compliant quality assurance award.

To read more and for how to apply, please visit the PCC's Get Involved page.