Two longstanding Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) were praised at a retirement celebration after 18 years of dedicated service.
Mr George Beech MBE, 88, and Mr Ces Brown, 75, were both appointed in March 1996 as Panel Co-ordinators for the Burslem Panel and Hanley Panel, respectively.
ICVs are appointed by the Police and Crime Commissioner to check on the wellbeing of people held in custody by Staffordshire Police.
Commissioner Matthew Ellis said: “Volunteers play a huge part in society and local communities. Independent Custody visitors are central to ensuring an open and transparent police service.”
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Arnold and Assistant Chief Constable Julian Blazeby presented George and Ces with personally-engraved clocks at Hanley Police Station.
Mrs Arnold has initiated new procedures ensuring further efficiencies of the role of ICVs and custody sergeants.
So far new measures are saving custody sergeants in the region of 388 hours per year, that’s nearly 50 days.
The Deputy PCC said: “On one of my first visits to custody I had the great pleasure of meeting these two outstanding gentlemen, both of whom had already been committed to the cause for a number of years.
“I was greatly enamoured by their work and was determined to ensure that the service to support the ICV’s would be the best it can be. It was their inspirational passion for the job that so engaged me and has continued to do so.
“You cannot underestimate their massive contribution over 18 years each of dedicated service. Their commitment has been unquestionable.”
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.
George has never missed a scheduled custody visit and has chaired every panel meeting but one, in his 18 years and even then arranged the hospitality.
He said: “Recently, a young neighbour of mine who had graduated in Criminology told me she had applied to become an ICV, but there were no vacancies.
“This really struck a chord with me, that an enthusiastic young graduate could not volunteer in the field she was educated in, whilst I, after so many years was, in a sense, preventing her becoming involved with such wonderful work. In the light of this, and after much profound consideration, I decided to hand over the baton.
“Tonight has been surreal. I felt humbled by Sue’s speech and honoured to be involved in such a wonderful organisation for so long, thank you for the service I’ve been a part of.”
Throughout Ces’ 18 years, he has mainly been focused on statistics, such as checking the ICVs are carrying out their scheduled visits.
He said: “18 years is a long time for anyone to volunteer for something, over the years we’ve been very fortunate, we’ve had some excellent panel members without whom we could not have achieved the success that we have. Now, we have some new blood on the Panel and I feel that it’s a good time to move on.
“Last night really surprised me, I didn’t expect such a celebration. It was quite emotional, very nice and greatly appreciated. Thank you for that and good luck for the future.”
Assistant Chief Constable Julian Blazeby said: “The work of all ICVs is something Staffordshire Police support and welcome. It is vital for the reassurance and confidence of our communities that those detained in custody are treated properly, fairly and with dignity – and the independence of the ICVs check we are doing just that.
“The contribution made by both George and Ces is truly outstanding, volunteering on behalf of their local communities to provide that reassurance, challenge where appropriate and encourage improvements. We wish them both well in their retirement.”
Anyone interested in joining this unique volunteer army should apply now by calling Jane Milgate 01785 232245 or visit the PCC website at www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk
