The vital work of Staffordshire’s Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) has just been made easier – thanks to an IT upgrade which will save hundreds of hours of police time.
Technology is fundamental to the radical new approach, in Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner’s five year strategy, Safer, Fairer, United Communities which is currently under consultation.
This is yet another significant step forward that will see volunteers, staff and officers being provided with the right tools to do their job, freeing up hundreds of hours of police time.
ICVs are appointed by the Police and Crime Commissioner to check on the wellbeing of people held in custody by Staffordshire Police. The 45 volunteers make regular, unannounced visits to custody sites throughout the year.
From the start of August, all visitors for the first time have direct access to electronic custody records at the force’s three sites at Burton Police Station, Watling Street Police Station and the Northern Area Custody Facility in Etruria.
This means they can view detainees’ details on a screen rather than the time-consuming practice of having to rely on custody sergeants to print off hard copies.
All visitors have to undergo data protection and police information systems training before accessing the systems.
PCC Matthew Ellis said: “Freeing up thousands of hours of police time so that officers can spend more time being visible and doing the job their are trained to do, is the heart of my five year strategy to reduce crime and help communities to feel safer as well as being safer.
“This is a significant change which will see hundreds of hours freed up for custody sergeants through a more targeted and more effective way of delivering what’s needed.”
The changes were initiated by Deputy Commissioner Sue Arnold who said: “Volunteers play a huge part in society and in local communities.
“The roles of Independent Custody Visitors are crucial – not just to the people in custody, but also in promoting public confidence in the system which is essential to making Staffordshire safer.
“Not only does it make their work easier, it will save around 388 hours – or almost 50 working days – a year for custody officers.”
ICVs work to a strict code of conduct and are fully trained before they embark on their special duties. They work in pairs and can check police cells – where they are granted access to detainees – at any time of the day or night to make sure custody rules are being observed.
Anyone interested in joining, or finding out more, should call Jane Milgate on 01785 232245 or visit the PCC website at www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk
