POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR VITAL CUSTODY ROLE

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes, is appealing for volunteers to come forward to join the county’s Independent Custody Visiting Scheme.    Custody Visitors make weekly unannounced visits to all Cumbria Police’s designated custody facilities and new volunteers are required now to join the panel which visits Barrow Police Station.

“Custody visiting is a national scheme originally set up as part of the Scarman report into the Brixton riots in 1981 and is a vital service to provide reassurance to the public that people who are arrested and detained in custody are afforded their legal rights and treated appropriately whilst in the cells,” said Mr Rhodes.   “Cumbria has four dedicated panels of visitors who visit every week of the year in pairs 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.”

“The Custody Visiting Scheme is totally independent of both the Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner,” said Mr Rhodes.   “Visitors have a right of access to the Police Station and their reports provide an invaluable insight, helping to maintain the very highest standards of care and welfare for detainees”.

Visitors come from all age groups and all walks of life.   “The aim is that the panels should reflect the make-up of the communities they represent” said Mr Rhodes.  “Visitors range in age from early twenties up to people in their seventies and come from a very wide range of backgrounds.   The Scheme provides full training and support and members have the opportunity to attend regular meetings and conferences to develop their skills.    Travelling and out of pocket expenses are paid.”

Anyone who is interested in joining one of the panels can get more information from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s website at www.cumbria-pcc.gov.uk/recruitment or can call the Scheme Administrator on 01768 217734 for more details.      The closing date for applications for the Barrow panel is Friday 3 October.   Interviews will be held locally in Barrow.