The crucial work of volunteers who carry out checks at police custody sites in Staffordshire was
highlighted by Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis at a national conference.
Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are appointed by the PCC to check on the wellbeing of people held in custody by Staffordshire Police. The 44 Staffordshire volunteers make regular, unannounced visits to custody sites throughout the year.
ICVs from Staffordshire and other parts of the country came together for the Independent Custody Visiting Association UK conference in Birmingham.
Mr Ellis told delegates about new tablet technology which is being used in Staffordshire to replace paper records that ICVs have to fill in every time they visit a cell. As well as improving accuracy, the technology means ICVs can provide real-time information to police about their findings.
He said: “I’ve increased the number of volunteers in Staffordshire and they are making a huge difference, helping to shape policing and hold the police to account. Part of that includes Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs).
“ICVs play a vital role in inspections of police custody sites and the people detained in them. They make a difference, not just to people in custody, but in promoting public confidence in the system which is essential to making Staffordshire safer.
“Through new technology ICVs are getting the right tools for their job and ensuring that police have quick and easy access to the important information they provide.
“It is reassuring that these volunteers are forever watchful to ensure standards are maintained.
“ICVs are a key part of growing work that I’m driving in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to get the public involved in holding police to account. The independent Ethics, Transparency and Audit Panel (ETAP), which is made up of local Staffordshire people, examines key areas such as the use of Taser and Stop and Search powers. Meanwhile, I’ve established Safer Neighbourhood Panels in nine areas where people shine the spotlight on policing in their community at the most local level.”
Around eight ICVs from Staffordshire attended the conference including David Hudson, a Midlands regional representative and a board member of the Independent Custody Visiting Association.
Saturday’s (30 January) event at the International Convention Centre also included speeches from leading figures from organisations including the Independent Police Complaints Commission, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary.
More information about becoming an ICV, or joining the ETAP and Safer Neighbourhood Panels, is available at www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/volunteer
