Volunteers needed to check welfare of detainees

Independent custody visitors are volunteers who check the welfare of people detained in custody

Volunteers are being sought to help ensure people detained in custody are being treated fairly.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Devon and Cornwall needs more independent custody visitors (ICVs) to inspect cells and make sure detainees have been given suitable food, water, distraction items and the services of a solicitor.

The OPCC said it needed ICVs to inspect the custody centres at Exeter, Torquay, Plymouth, Barnstaple, Newquay and Camborne.

Joan Heaton, who has been an ICV for seven years, said "talking to people who could be in great distress gives you the feeling you're giving a bit back".

'Worthy of respect'

She said there were currently 15 ICVs and more were needed, ideally young people and people of a minority status.

Mrs Heaton said the most important qualities for ICVs were compassion and empathy, but it was also important to be committed, have an interest in social justice and fairness and to have an understanding of the law.

The OPCC said applicants must be 18 years old or more, independent of the police service, live or work in Devon and Cornwall and have been resident in the UK for the past three years.

ICVs are reimbursed for expenses such as car mileage and parking costs while carrying out their role, the office added.

Explaining the importance of ICVs, Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: "The scheme offers protection and confidentiality to detainees and provides reassurance to me that the custody environment is working well or an ability to flag vital issues not being addressed promptly."