Volunteer Independent Custody Visitor

Role

To undertake custody visits with other Independent Custody Visitors, checking on the conditions in which a detainee is detained in custody, their Rights, entitlements and welfare.

Responsibilities

· To carry out custody visits to custody units in line with the Panel rota, Scheme guidelines and training received.

· To carry out the duties of an Independent Custody Visitor as set out in the Scheme’s Handbook, giving due regard to Health and Safety requirements of the Custody Visiting Scheme and Custody Unit.

· Where appropriate, to review a Detainee’s Custody Record (Detention Log) to clarify and check any concerns raised by the Detainee or a Custody Visitor.

· To complete an electronic Custody Visit Report after each Custody visit, highlighting any concerns or requests arising from the visit and any issues that need to be resolved as well as any good practice.

· To complete and submit any necessary documentation relating to the Scheme or in connection with the appointment process in a timely manner.

· To retain a good working relationship with key people (stakeholders), including Custody Visitor colleagues, the Police and Crime Commissioner’s staff, Custody Officers and any other interested groups or individuals.

· To attend and take an active part in at least two of the four Independent Custody Visitor Panel Meetings per year. Meetings may be in-person or remote/online.

· To commit to a three year term as an Independent Custody Visitor. An optional two additional terms are permitted, totalling 9 years.

· To keep the Panel Coordinator and other Panel members informed of any problems relating to meeting the requirements of the visits rota – averaging one custody visit per month - or changes in personal circumstances.

· To complete developmental and training sessions (usually online but may be onsite) as and when required.

· To contribute towards the success of the Independent Custody Visiting Scheme, promoting improvement in the way that the Scheme is delivered.

Custody Visitor - Person Specification

The criteria contained within the Person Specification form the basis for short-listing suitable applicants for the role of custody visitor.

Essential criteria are requirements necessary for safe and effective performance in the role, whilst desirable criteria list elements that would contribute to potentially improved performance in the role.

ESSENTIAL: Eligibility

Must be 18 years of age+ and live, work or study in the Avon and Somerset Constabulary area.

Hold a current driving licence to drive - or be able to travel by other means – to the Police Custody Unit.

Ineligible are: Past or serving Police Officers, PCSOs, Specials, Police Staff or Volunteers of any Police Constabulary;

Ineligible are: Volunteers in the Appropriate Adult Scheme due to a possible conflict of interest.

Ineligible are: Past or present Justices of the Peace in the Avon & Somerset Policing area.

Other people may be excluded if they have a direct involvement in the Criminal Justice System within the Constabulary area, such as Solicitors, CPS staff, Probation Service or Prison service. Each application will be treated on its merits, but the over-riding factor will be to prevent possible conflicts of interest and to maintain the independence and integrity of the Scheme as a whole.

Working with people

Able to demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team.

The ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with a wide range of people.

Effective communication skills

The ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Working within guidelines and procedures

Previous experience or knowledge of working to established guidelines and procedures.

Computer and Reporting skills

Computer literate.

Ability to logon and add Visit Reports in the online Custody Visiting Database; Ability to access and attend remote/online meetings.

Respect for people

Capacity to treat all people fairly and with respect, to value diversity and respond sensitively to difference.

DESIRABLE eligibility:

Additional useful experience

Knowledge of Custody Visiting or Active community involvement as a volunteer.

Flexibility

Willingness to visit more frequently than once monthly if asked to do so by the Panel Coordinator or Scheme Manager.