Deputy Staffordshire Commissioner Sue Arnold invited High Sheriff of Staffordshire Ashley Brough to visit the Northern Area Custody Facility in Stoke-on-Trent, where they saw the important work carried out by Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs).
ICVs are volunteers appointed by Police and Crime Commissioners to check on the wellbeing of people held in police custody, making regular, unannounced visits throughout the year.
Mrs Arnold and the High Sheriff were shown around the facility by ICVs Colin Melvin and Mike Lycett, and were able to observe how they conduct their visits.
Mrs Arnold, who manages the volunteer portfolio on behalf of the Staffordshire Commissioner, said: ‘ICVs play a vital role in inspecting police custody sites and the people detained in them.
‘They make a real difference, not just to the people they visit, but in providing confidence to the public about the quality and safety of custody sites.
‘I was delighted to invite the High Sheriff to take part in an ICV visit and showcase the work our wonderful volunteers do here in Staffordshire.’
High Sheriff Ashley Brough added: ‘I would like to thank Colin and Mike, along with all of the other ICV volunteers, for their important role in ensuring detainees’ rights and wellbeing are maintained while in custody.
‘For many, being arrested and held in a cell can be frightening, especially for first offenders.
‘I was delighted to witness that Staffordshire’s custody personnel are setting the highest standards. Thanks also go to them all for their continued professionalism and service in keeping us safe.’
Custody 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.
Find out more about becoming an ICV, as well as other volunteer opportunities including Safer Neighbourhood Panels.
Photo caption: Deputy Staffordshire Commissioner Sue Arnold with High Sheriff Ashley Brough and ICVs Colin Melvin and Mike Lycett.
