The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) is looking for volunteers who live or work in Stoke-on-Trent to carry out checks on the standards in which people are held in police custody.
Volunteers from all walks of life and a variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds are sought, along with young people over 18 years of age.
Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) make unannounced checks of conditions of police cells and the welfare of people in custody, including the Northern Area Custody Facility in Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent.
Visitors work in pairs and can check police cells – where they are granted access to detainees – at any time day or night to make sure custody rules are being observed. They follow a code of conduct and are fully trained before they start.
Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis said: “Independent Custody Visitors provide a vital link between the community and police and help maintain public confidence in the custody system.
“We’re looking for people from varied backgrounds to give a balance when dealing with detainees. Ideally we would like more representation from young people and others from different cultures and backgrounds.”
Volunteers, who receive training and travel expenses, are expected to make a minimum number of visits a year and regularly attend Panel Meetings.
Anyone who would like more information about joining the scheme should ring Jane Milgate 01785 232245 or visit http://www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/independent-custody-visitors/
The closing date for applications is 27 February 2015.
