We are recruiting for Independent Custody Visitors

Could this be you?

This is an opportunity to make a real difference to the welfare of vulnerable people in custody.

Do you care about the wellbeing and rights of all people?

This is a great opportunity for those who wish to gain an insight into the criminal justice system.

If you are interested in applying email: lincolnshire-pcc@lincs.police.uk

The closing date is 31 March 2024.

What is independent custody visiting?

Every PCC has a legal duty to run an Independent Custody Visiting scheme, in which local members of the public volunteer to serve as Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) making regular, unannounced visits to police custody to check on the rights, entitlements and wellbeing of detainees as well as the conditions they are held in.

Visits are made by pairs of volunteers where they speak to detainees, review custody records and check custody suite conditions and essential stocks such as food, clothing and religious items. ICVs ask custody staff to resolve any immediate issues and complete visit reports, alerting the PCC to their findings.

After training, custody visitors will know what to ask, what to look for and what may be done.  They must be impartial and favour neither the police nor the detainee.  On completion of their visit a report form is completed and passed to all stakeholders involved in the Scheme.

Through the work of ICVs, PCCs are able to give assurance to the public that people detained by the police in their force area are being treated in a lawful, ethical and transparent way.

Who are independent custody visitors?

Volunteers are drawn from a variety of backgrounds and sections of the community and have no direct involvement in the Criminal Justice system, for example, as serving police officers or special constables.  Other people such as solicitors or probation officers may be excluded, to prevent possible conflicts of interest arising.  This helps to maintain the independence of the Scheme as a whole.

Impact Of Custody Visiting

ICVs’ reports regularly result in improvements throughout custody. Working together with partners throughout the police service, ICVA has used information gathered by ICVs and OPCC staff to impact meaningful changes such as a reduction in lighting levels to ensure detainees are able to get their legally entitled uninterrupted periods of rest, and the establishment of a new referral pathway for those who may be experiencing symptoms of the perimenopause/menopause in police custody.

How are independent custody visitors selected and trained?

Applicants are required to complete an application form, which will be considered by an Appointments Panel.  Shortlisted candidates are asked to attend a formal interview.  Appointments will be confirmed subject to the receipt of satisfactory references; police vetting checks to verify information provided about criminal convictions; and the successful completion of a one-day Initial Training and Awareness course.  Appointments are initially for three years, and will be confirmed following satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.  A full re-assessment of continuing suitability will take place every 3 years.

Age

Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age (there is no upper age limit) and be living or working within Lincolnshire and been resident in the UK for at least 2 years prior to the date of application.

Where will I be based?

We have vacancies within all four of our local visiting panels, namely, the South East Panel (serving Boston custody suite), West Panel (serving Lincoln custody suite), East Panel (serving Skegness custody suite) and South West Panel (serving Grantham custody suite).

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 31 March 2024.

If you are interested in applying for one of the above-mentioned vacancies, then you can contact the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and request an application pack be emailed or posted out to you.

Contact details are as follows:

Email: lincolnshire-pcc@lincs.police.uk

Telephone: 01522 212351                                                           

Address:  OPCC for Lincolnshire, Deepdale Lane, Nettleham LN2 2LT

Quotes from people who have done it:

https://youtu.be/28XLd2-zUxY

Rosemary, ICV - 25 years

“I enjoy the role as it’s great to be an impartial eyes and ears, be part of a wider team, widening my horizons and knowledge as no two visits are the same and I get to meet a huge array of people and life experiences. It can sometimes be challenging but with the training and support from the team and the office it ensures I feel confident to deal with most experiences.  My family are very supportive of my volunteering with the OPCC and some of my friends are interested and intrigued about what the role involves.

I would recommend volunteering with the OPCC as the training helps to widen your knowledge and be part of a team. You do feel that you are giving something back by being independent and listening to all parties. “

Magaret , ICV - 9 years

“I have never regretted volunteering and find the role gives my life in retirement an added purpose and interest. I would encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to consider joining us. The training is comprehensive, the support outstanding. A chance to see ‘how the other half lives’, it can also be humbling.”