A group of volunteers in Staffordshire carry out a very
important role within the community.
Are you interested in what they do?
They are Independent Custody Visitors and within
the Chase Division visit the detention cells at Cannock, Rugeley and Wombourne Police
Stations. They inspect the custody area and talk to people who are detained, asking
about their welfare and ensuring they receive and know their rights.
Independent Custody Visiting owes its origin to Lord Scarman's
Report following the Brixton riots during 1981. The Report recommended a system
of independent, unannounced inspections of the procedure of detention in Police Stations
by ordinary members of the local community.
Custody Visitors have made a significant impact to
Custody Suites across the country and conditions of detention. Visits
are always made in pairs and independently offer reassurance to the general community
by visiting detainees who may be feeling helpless or vulnerable. All information
is treated with the strictest confidence, but may be used in Court.
A full report is passed on to the
Police Authority for any action which may need to be taken. Any problems are
also discussed further at regular meetings of the Chase Division.
Actions taken on these reports have improved
the welfare of both
detainees and custody staff. For instance, in the areas
of better provision of food,
hygiene and medical facilities,
Hundreds of unannounced visits are made within the
Chase area each year; so visitors need to be properly and fully trained and also
strive for quality throughout the scheme by acting in a professional
manner.
It takes a few hours of your time each month and full training and support is given. If you would like more information on how to apply then contact 01785 232245
or click on the link below:
www2.staffordshire.gov.uk/policeauthority/custody3.htm