The scheme involves volunteers giving up their time to visit custody suites and check the correct procedures are being followed. The scheme offers protection to detainees and reassurance to the wider community.
The following police custody suites are inspected:
- Oldbury
- Perry Barr
- Wolverhampton
- Coventry
All custody visitors are aged 18 or over and live and/or work in the West Midlands. Before they undertake any visits they are vetted and undertake training. Once up and running they will work with one other person and begin making unannounced visits to police custody sites to check on the welfare of detainees.
They then produce a report and submit it to the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office. The PCC will then act upon issues raised. The time commitment for a custody visitor is 2-3 hours per month. They are also expected to attend a quarterly panel and ad hoc training throughout the year.
Independent Custody Visitor Volunteer
What is it? An Independent Custody Visitor visits police stations to check on the treatment of detainees and the conditions in which they are being held. As a custody visitor, you will have the opportunity to learn how your local police deal with detained individuals and to make a difference in safeguarding and help to monitor how custody is run. When you carry out a visit as a custody visitor, you will not only be representing your community but will be helping the Commissioner oversee custody. We are looking for new volunteers, in particular people able to volunteer in Wolverhampton, Perry Barr, Oldbury and Coventry.
Can you communicate well with a diverse range of people? Do you have a general interest in people and care about their well-being? Would you be confident in raising issues or concerns if you had to?
No prior experience or qualifications are required for this role and any necessary training will be provided.
Want to become an Independent Custody Visitor Volunteer? Expressions of interest are requested from applicants who would be readily available during the day and early evening to assist in the programme. Please contact Jenson Bloomer on Jenson.Bloomer1@westmidlands.police.uk for more information.
