The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) is seeking volunteers to join its Independent Custody Visiting Scheme in Aylesbury.

An Independent Custody Visitor (ICV) is a role performed by volunteers from the local community checking on the welfare and treatment of those being held in police custody.  ICV’s make unannounced visits to police stations to observe the conditions in which people are being held and, importantly, talk with willing detainees.

Volunteers typically make one custody visit a month ensuring that detainees have been offered food and drink, they are warm enough, cells are in a reasonable condition, that religious and cultural needs have been considered, have been informed of their rights and know the reason why they are in custody.  Any problems are brought to the attention of custody staff and the OPCC.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Anthony Stansfeld said ‘ICVs play a vital role in ensuring there is confidence in the way that detainees are being held and treated in police stations across the Thames Valley.  We currently have a number of vacancies in Aylesbury and I would encourage anyone who is looking for a rewarding role within their local community to apply.’

Applicants will be invited for interview and successful candidates will complete an induction programme before beginning the role.

ICVs must be 18 or over and should be independent of the police. Serving police officers or members of police or OPCC staff are not eligible to apply.

Anyone interested in applying can download an application form at www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/independent-custody-visitors/

Closing date for applications is 31st October 2018