Six volunteers have been recognised by the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office for their tireless work and commitment in providing independent support for people detained in Police custody.
Three Independent Custody Visitors were thanked for their 10 Years’ Service, visiting detained people to check on their welfare, wellbeing and legal rights in the custody environment:
- Andrew Carter, who since 2016* has completed 85 visits totalling over 99 hours, and visited 177 detained persons
- Cate Whitehouse, who since 2016* has completed 71 visits totalling almost 78 hours, and visited 156 detained persons
- Lisa Tunney, who since 2016* has completed 42 visits totalling over 40 hours, and visited 75 detained persons
Three Appropriate Adults received awards in recognition of their support in complex investigations, providing independent support to vulnerable adult detainees and ensuring they are treated in a fair and just manner and are able to participate effectively:
- Linda Williams-Carr, who provided 15 hours’ support, often at short notice, in a murder case where the detained person was in custody for four days. The investigating officer said: “A difficult job would have been a lot harder without her. All the Appropriate Adults I have dealt with are like Linda, and they are a credit to the service they provide.”
- Joy Garner & Gloria Oakes, who collectively spent 20 hours over three days with a detainee suspected of murder, attending the custody facility on seven separate occasions. The investigative team said: “These ladies saved the day.”
Deputy Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Helen Fisher, who presented the awards, said: “The work that these volunteers do is absolutely invaluable. I want to say a big thank-you, on behalf of myself and the Commissioner, to everyone for their commitment and dedication in looking out for the welfare of people in Police custody. As an Office, we couldn’t do what we need to do without their support.”
Independent Custody Visitor Lisa Tunney said: “Our role is a two-way safety net – when we carry out our visits, we log everything so we’re not just there to ensure the welfare of the detainees, we also ensure the safety of the Police officers in terms of any complaints being made or issues arising in custody. On a more personal level, it’s good to have an insight into what actually goes on and to be able to make a difference to your community.”
Appropriate Adult Joy Garner said: “Ultimately, it’s not just about helping the detainee, it’s about the whole process – the victim doesn’t get any resolution if nothing happens at court. If we’re there to help and assist with handling detainees, it can help the whole process run smoothly, which is good for everyone involved.”
Appropriate Adult Linda Williams-Carr added: “Detainees have complex needs and it is not for us to decide whether they are guilty or not; that is for the courts to decide. They are people who may have made a bad decision which does not mean that they are a bad person. We are here to ensure they are treated fairly and with no judgement. Being an Appropriate Adult is very rewarding and I feel very proud to have received this award.”
If you are interested in volunteering, find out more about the roles available and apply here.