Volunteers needed to check on welfare in police cells

Independent custody visitors carry out unannounced inspections of police custody centres

Members of the public are being asked to visit people in police custody to ensure they are receiving the correct level of care and respect.

Avon and Somerset's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is seeking "people from all walks of life, ages and life experience" to carry out the role.

The custody visitors would help ensure people who were detained were aware of their rights and what they were entitled to for their wellbeing.

PCC Mark Shelford said: "These roles are vital in maintaining high standards of treatment for people who have been arrested."

The independent custody visitors would carry out unannounced inspections of police custody centres in Keynsham, Patchway and Bridgwater.

The roles are part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s legal responsibility to scrutinise the work of the police

Mr Shelford said: "Being arrested and taken into custody can be a time of stress and when people are at their lowest ebb.

"My custody visitor volunteers are members of the public who can ensure the police are providing the level of care and respect that we expect.

“We rely heavily on our volunteers to scrutinise the police and to provide an independent viewpoint."

People are being asked to sign up to do one visit per month at times that suit them.

The volunteers will ask to view the custody records which show who is in custody awaiting a charging decision, court visit or to be released.

'Very rewarding role'

They will also speak to detainees at random and ensure their welfare needs are being met. They can also ask for detention officer staff to make additional provisions depending on individual needs.

"I encourage people from all backgrounds and ages to apply," Mr Shelford added.

"You don’t need specific qualifications and we provide all the training you need for these very rewarding voluntary roles.”

The volunteer roles are part of the PCC's legal responsibility to scrutinise the work of the police to ensure that it is efficient and effective.