We want you to go behind bars - visit police custody

Are you someone who has justice at heart? With an interest in the law and intrigued by what goes on behind the scenes in Police Custody?

Gloucestershire’s Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner is looking for dedicated people to become Independent Custody Visitors (ICV).

These volunteers are made up of members of the community who will drop in to police custody unannounced to observe and make sure detainee’s rights are being maintained.

ICVs play a crucial role in safeguarding detained people by making sure they have received their legal entitlements, such as solicitor’s, access to food and menstrual products, as well as checking on their welfare.

Volunteers work in pairs and make unannounced visits to the custody suite every ten days on a rota basis.

Annie White Independent Custody Visitor Scheme Manager, said: “This is a fantastic volunteer role for anyone looking to gain experience in the criminal justice system. You will see a side of policing and the law that very few people get to experience.

“If you have a passion for justice and a caring nature this role would suit you.

“You will make sure that some of society’s most vulnerable people are kept safe and treated with dignity while in police custody.

“The scheme also provides the people of Gloucestershire a voice on the way their county is policed.

“And I am proud to say Gloucestershire’s Independent Custody Visiting scheme recently was awarded a platinum grading – the highest possible recognition.

“The work of our ICVs is not easy, and they can see some difficult things, but they are diligent and their work is invaluable.”

The recruitment window for the role opens on Monday 22 April and closes on Monday 20 May.

To find out more about the role of an ICV please visit Independent Custody Visiting Scheme (gloucestershire-pcc.gov.uk)

To apply or for an informal conversation about the role you can email [email protected]