Independant Volunteer Custody Visitor

Volunteer Independent Custody Visitors

Are you looking for a new challenge? Do you have strong verbal and written communication skills? Do you enjoy travelling and meeting new people?

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority is looking for dedicated and extraordinary individuals to join our army of Volunteer Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs)visiting police custody suites and speaking to detainees across Greater Manchester to ensure they receive fair and equal treatment under the law.

About the Role

ICVs are members of the local community who volunteer to visit police stations unannounced to make an inspection and check on the treatment and welfare of people held in police custodies across Greater Manchester.They look at a number of issues, from the treatment of detainees and behavior of custody staff, to the effectiveness of custody processes.

On arrival at the police station, ICVs are escorted to the custody area where they interview a number of detainees in their cells and complete a structured report form.For visitors protection, interviews are normally carried out within sight, but out of hearing, of the escorting police officer.ICV recommendations can require the police to make improvements for the welfare of detainees and, therefore, they play a valuable role in maintaining public confidence in this important area of policing.

Training

ICVs are required to attend seven mandatory training sessions to fulfill their role. Further optional training sessions are available, for example on topics including substance misuse, mental health, interview skills, and dementia.The posts are voluntary and unpaid, but all travelling expenses are reimbursed.

Benefits of being an ICV

Independent custody visitors play a vital role in providing the public with confidence that police treat individuals lawfully and with respect when detained in police custody.By becoming an ICV, you will contribute to a role in society as a whole by demonstrating the high standards of care shown in the detention of detainees through independent assessment.

Elegibility

Greater Manchester Combined Authority is responsible for recruiting, selecting and appointing all custody visitors. To be eligible as an ICV volunteer, you must be 18 years of age, or older,and have no direct involvement in the criminal justice system. For example, serving or retired police officers or staff, special constables or magistrates wouldNOTbe considered for the role. Other people, such as solicitors or probation officers may also be excludedto prevent possible conflict of interests for the individual. This maintains the independence of the scheme as a whole. Appointment as an independent custody visitor is subject to a successful application and interview process.

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