Volunteers needed to help keep standards high in Essex custody suites

Are you interested in the criminal justice process and want to make a real difference in your community?

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex is looking for more volunteers to join the Independent Custody Visiting (ICV) Scheme across Essex.

Full training is given, volunteers are supported but must be able to commit to making a minimum of three visits per month.

Since the Police Reform Act 2002, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioners have had a statutory duty to maintain an Independent Custody Visiting Scheme for their area.

Volunteers visit custody suites in pairs at least three times a month and visits generally last no more than an hour.

They complete a simple report to provide a current picture of the suite and any issues they might have identified relating to maintenance standards and the rights and welfare of detainees.

The reports are reviewed and any issues identified are addressed with the Custody Command at Essex Police.

The reports also support the identification of any themes and trends reported to the Independent Custody Visitor Association (ICVA). Despite the challenges of COVID, this year, volunteers made more than 350 visits to custody suites across the county.

Volunteers must be over 18 and independent of the criminal justice system to prevent possible conflicts of interest and to maintain the integrity of the scheme. More information and details of how to apply to become an ICV are here: Independent Custody Visiting - Essex PFCC