This is your chance to play a vital role in helping to ensure the welfare and appropriate treatment of those in police custody, reassurance to the community at large and gain an insight into the criminal justice system.
If this sounds like something you are interested in, Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, is looking for volunteers for the Independent Custody Visitor (ICV) Scheme, with vacancies for members on three panels: Kendal, Barrow and Workington.
Peter McCall explains: “If you live or work in Cumbria and are looking for a unique volunteering opportunity that is both challenging and rewarding then you may be interested in our latest ICV recruitment.
“Working in pairs, each visitor will usually carry out approximately one visit per month, 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.”
Speaking about their experience as an ICV, one of our current volunteers said: “It’s so important that our community can be confident that people who are suddenly taken into custody are treated properly and their rights are protected, especially if they have difficulties, or are vulnerable in any way.
“Since I became a visitor last year I have been very well supported by the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, and feel that the role I have taken on is valuable.”
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.
There are currently vacancies on three panels, Kendal, Barrow and Workington. If you live or work 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 information.
The closing date for completed application forms is noon on Friday 12 October.
