Custody Visitors
Are you over 18 and looking to volunteer for something different? Then why not find out more about being an Independent Custody Visitor?
What is an Independent Custody Visitor?
Independent Custody visitors are members of the local community whose duty it is to visit Police Investigation Centres unannounced to check on the welfare of people who are in police custody. Their task is to observe, comment and report on these matters. There are two Police Investigation Centres in Suffolk - one in Bury St Edmunds and one at Martlesham, Ipswich.
Custody visitors assist the Police by helping to ensure that they are providing the service that is expected of them.
They can also help in the management of police performance by pointing out problems that may have occurred which could have implications on policy, training, communications or just the daily running of the Police Custody Centres.
How are Custody Visitors appointed?
To be an Independent Custody Visitor you are asked to complete an application form, and if your application is successful you will be invited to attend a Police Authority interview.
If successful, you will be appointed and receive initial and ongoing training in respect of legal and procedural matters. As a visitor you will be expected to visit a Police Investigations Centre approximately once a month along with another Independent Custody Visitor, as visits are always made in pairs.
At the end of each visit you must fill in a report form. Travelling expenses are paid to all Independent Custody Visitors.
Click here to view our 'Have you got what it takes?' Information Leaflet.
Click here to access our Custody Visiting Scheme Application Form.
Independent Custody Visiting Scheme Annual Report Summary 2011 to 2012
The Independent Custody Visiting Scheme Annual Report Summary 2011-2012 can be viewed in our documents section.
If you are interested in finding out if there are any vacancies for this role or would like more information, please contact:
Chief Executive
Suffolk Police Authority
Police Headquarters
Martlesham Heath
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP5 3QS
Tel 01473 782771 or e-mail sarah.carter@suffolk.pnn.police.uk
In addition, further information on independent custody visiting can also be found on the Independent Custody Visiting Association website.