The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Avon and Somerset is looking to recruit a volunteer Independent Custody Visitor (ICV) to undertake custody visits with other Independent Custody Visitors, checking on the conditions in which a detainee is detained in custody, and their rights, entitlements and welfare with reference to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, 1984 (PACE) code of practice (Code) C (regarding Custody).

The Independent Custody Visiting Scheme covers the custody units in Bridgwater, Keynsham and Patchway.  Each area has an Independent Custody Visitors Panel led by an ICV Coordinator who provides support to the ICV volunteers in their team.  ICVs are appointed, trained and overseen by the OPCC Scheme Managers and are totally independent of the police force.

Custody visits take place on a weekly basis and you will be expected to undertake roughly one visit per month alongside another ICV.  Visits can be arranged either during the day or evening at a time to suit your personal schedule.  Panel meetings are held three times per year allowing opportunity for ICVs to talk about any custody visiting matters.  Online training material is regularly circulated to supplement learning.

The core responsibilities of this interesting and varied role are:

• To carry out custody visits to custody units in line with the Panel rota, Scheme guidelines and training received, averaging one visit per month.

• To carry out the duties of an Independent Custody Visitor as set out in the scheme’s handbook, giving due regard to Health and Safety requirements of the Custody Visiting Scheme and Custody Unit.

• To complete an electronic Custody Visit Report after each Custody visit, highlighting any concerns or requests arising from the visit and any issues that need to be resolved as well as any good practice.

• To retain a good working relationship with key people (stakeholders), including Custody Visitor colleagues, the Police and Crime Commissioner’s staff, Custody Officers and any other interested groups or individuals.
• To attend and take an active part in Independent Custody Visitor Panel Meetings held three times a year.  Meetings are a combination of in-person & remote/online.
• To complete developmental and training sessions as and when required.

What we are looking for.

With great communication skills and the ability to work with a diverse range of people, we are looking for someone who is able to effectively work within the parameters of specific legislation and regulations whilst treating people fairly and with respect. IT skills are also key as you will be expected on occasion to join online meetings, as well as use online forms and documentation to carry out your role. Having previous custody visiting or volunteering experience would be desirable too, but not essential as full training will be provided.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) is run by a dedicated team who support the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).  The role of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is to be the voice of local people in policing and to hold the Chief Constable to account. The aim of all PCCs is to ensure the delivery of an effective and efficient police service within their force area.

Our purpose is to lead improvement in efficiency and effectiveness of policing, victim support and criminal justice services on behalf of local people.

Further details are included in the attached Role Profile. If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact our Recruitment Team.

The locations for these roles are Bridgwater, Patchway and Keynsham police centres.