Independent Custody Visitor Volunteers
Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime
We are currently recruiting Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) volunteers who make unannounced visits to local police custody suites to check on the rights, welfare, and conditions of detainees.
Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are members of the local community who volunteer to visit police stations unannounced to check on the treatment and welfare of people held in police custody. Our scheme holds policing to account and protects detainees' human rights, especially those at risk such as young people, people with mental health needs, or those with language barriers. Our volunteers help build trust between the public and the police, and make a real difference to how justice is delivered. The scheme consists of panels across London who meet and discuss visits conducted by panel members. Our panels meet once a quarter and we ask our volunteers to dedicate one day a month to their role. Our volunteers receive full training during their on-boarding, and they also have opportunity to attend training facilitated by the MPS and IOPC for a variety of key issues such as strip search. Our volunteers also can choose to sign up to receive credits which provides them with an array of benefits for completing work within their role. The ideal volunteer will need to have the following: • A good listener • Have a knowledge and awareness of diversity and equality issues • Flexible, reliable and have enough time to carry out the Custody Visiting role. • Objective, impartial, non-judgemental and able to constructively challenge when necessary • Portray a positive image of themselves and the organisation. • Good communications skills, both oral and written. • Effective Communication • Respect for Race and Diversity • Team Working • Planning and Organising • Resilience • To be able to maintain confidentiality
Advice, Information & Support,Community Work,Legal
Admin, Basic IT skills - internet & email, Good IT Skills, Organising & Planning, Reading & Writing
• You must be 18 years or over. • For vetting purposes you must have resided in the UK for the last 3 years. Your appointment as an independent custody visitor is subject to successful clearance by the MPS Vetting Department. • Applications from servicing police officers, police staff, members of the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime, or serving Magistrates will not be considered to avoid any potential conflict of interest. Applications from persons who have retired from these roles or who are involved in other areas of criminal justice may be suitable for appointment and will be considered on their own merit.
As an ICV, your visits directly help protect the rights and wellbeing of people in police custody many of whom are vulnerable, distressed, or unaware of their rights. Your independent oversight helps ensure detainees are treated well. ICVs will give a voice to those who may not otherwise be heard and help ensure justice is delivered fairly for everyone.
One visit per month
N/A
Role is avaliable in various locations in Hackney.
Volunteering opportunities in Hackney and across London.
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