Independent Custody Visitor

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner is looking for volunteers to become Independent Custody Visitors

Most people will never experience the custody environment however, should a member of your family or someone you care about find themselves there, you would want to know that they are being treated with respect and dignity and that they have been given their rights and entitlements.

If you are interested in social issues and human rights, being an independent custody visitor may be of interest to you.

Mission:

The Police and Crime Commissioner is the elected representative responsible for overseeing the work of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary to ensure that it operates efficiently and effectively within available resources. It is a statutory requirement that the Police and Crime Commissioner administer a custody visiting scheme.

Description:

Independent Custody Visitors are members of the community who visit persons detained in police custody to check on their welfare and well being. Unannounced visits are made in pairs to custody facilities within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Visits can be made at any time of the day or night; the length of the visit depends upon the number of people held in detention at that time.

Time Commitment:

Visits are carried out on a rotational basis. Each volunteer is required to make about 8 visits per year, attend quarterly meetings, an annual seminar and ongoing training sessions.

Age restrictions:

Applicants must be over 18 years of age

Expenses: 45p per mile if travelling by car and out of pocket expenses

Training:

Full day induction and ongoing training and support is provided.

Insurance Cover:

While carrying out the role, including travel to and from custody suites

Skills

Attributes required for the role:

  • Good interpersonal and communication skills (Please note : This is not a counselling role)
  • A non-judgemental approach toward others
  • Good observational and reporting skills
  • Reliable and flexible

Details

  • Diversity and equal opportunities policy
  • Accessibility
  • Age restrictions
    Applicants must be over 18 years of age
  • Child Protection
    n/a
  • Complaints Policy
  • Confidentially Policy
  • DBS check required
    Applicants will be vetted by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary Vetting Unit
  • Ex Offenders
  • Expenses reimbursed
    45p per mile if travelling by car and out of pocket expenses
  • Health and Safety Policy
    Risk Assessment given as part of training pack
  • Ongoing support
  • Suitable for Duke of Edinburgh Award
  • Suitable for Supported Volunteering
  • Suitable for Under 16's
  • Suitable for Under 18's
  • Training provided
    Full day induction and ongoing training and support is provided
  • Volunteer induction
  • Volunteer Policy
  • Volunteers covered by insurance
    Insurance Cover: While carrying out the role, including travel to and from custody suites
  • Vulnerable Adults Policy
  • Written role description

When can I volunteer?

Start Date: 22/02/2024

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Afternoon Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Evening Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Availability Details

Visits are carried out on a rotational basis. Each volunteer is required to make about 8 visits per year, attend quarterly meetings, an annual seminar and ongoing training sessions.


Location

Police Station
High St,
Newport
PO30 1LA


More Opportunities from Hampshire Constabulary


Similar Opportunities

Before you can register your interest in this opportunity you must either login or register as a volunteer.

You will be returned to this page.

Login


Register

Register as a Volunteer