How to apply for a role monitoring Spennymoor's new custody hub
Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen is looking for volunteers to help provide oversight of police custody processes and the welfare of detainees.
PCC Allen is recruiting for the Independent Custody Visitor (ICV) scheme, which involves making unannounced visits to custody suites to ensure detainees are being treated fairly and receiving the care they are entitled to.
The new volunteers will focus their work at the recently opened Durham Investigative Hub near Spennymoor, which features 48 modern custody cells, interview rooms, medical facilities, and more than 6,600 square metres of office space.
Ms Allen said: "Volunteers make a huge difference to the force area, especially within policing.
"My Independent Custody Visitor (ICV) scheme is a perfect example, where people donate their time freely to protect the rights of those who find themselves in police custody and help to improve standards of custody care.
"Our ICV scheme is entering an exciting period in its history with the recent opening of a state-of-the-art and centralised custody centre.
"Our new cohort of volunteers will play a critical role in driving further improvements in our processes and procedures to ensure Durham not only delivers the very best quality of care to detainees but is held aloft as a beacon of good practice nationally.
"This is an opportunity to provide a voice for people who may be vulnerable and underrepresented.
"If you believe in fairness and equality and have a genuine interest in protecting the rights of vulnerable people, please consider joining our dedicated ICV team – your support is highly valued and appreciated."
The ICVs will regularly visit the custody hub to speak with detainees, check that their rights are being upheld, and review the conditions of their detention.
They will also examine custody records to ensure staff are meeting their responsibilities, with particular attention given to vulnerable or young detainees.
Any concerns raised during visits are discussed with the Custody Sergeant and included in a report sent to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).
The ICV scheme is part of the commissioner's commitment to increasing public trust in policing by maintaining high standards of care and transparency within police custody.
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The new custody hub offers 24/7 healthcare from qualified medical staff, along with forensic examination rooms, an energy centre, and virtual court facilities.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, live, work, or study in the Durham police area, and have been resident in the UK for at least three years before applying.
More information about the role and details on how to apply can be found on the Durham Police and Crime Commissioner's website at www.durham-pcc.gov.uk/vacancies/independent-custody-visitor-volunteer.
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