Sussex Violence Reduction Partnership
Independent Custody Visitors (ICV's) - Eastbourne & Hastings (Volunteer role)
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Vacancy Information
The Office of the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) manages up to 40 dedicated volunteers who undertake vital duties for its Independent Custody Visiting (ICV) scheme.
Representatives from the community are recruited and appointed on a geographical basis to visit the five police custody centres in Sussex (Brighton, Crawley, Eastbourne, Hastings, and Worthing).
Unannounced visits are made by pairs of visitors at varying times of the day and night to ensure a consistent pattern of visits. After every visit, the pair of visitors complete a written report form about their findings, which is then passed onto the ICV Scheme Manager at the Office of the Sussex PCC.
Chief Constables' Message
We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe.
We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person, then we want to hear from you.
We wish you all the very best with your application.
Chief Constable Tim De Meyer & Chief Constable Jo Shiner
The Role & Key Responsibilities
Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are members of the local community who volunteer to visit police custody centres unannounced to observe the treatment and welfare of people held in police custody. ICV recommendations can require the police to make improvements for the dignity of people detained, their rights, entitlements, and welfare, together with conditions of the custody centres.
Working as part of a local panel, they play a valuable role in maintaining public trust and confidence in this important area of policing. The ICV role is independent of the police and supports the police to uphold the required standards of care for people detained in line with legislation and national guidance.
Duties Of The Role
- To arrange custody visits with fellow custody visitors, in line with agreed rotas.
- To keep the coordinator and other colleagues informed of any problems or changes to the visiting rota.
- To carry out custody visits to designated police stations in line with the scheme guidelines, handbook, and training.
- To check on the conditions in which a person detained is kept, their health and wellbeing, dignity, rights, and entitlements, with reference to PACE code C.
- Where appropriate, to consult the person's custody record to clarify and review any concerns raised by the person.
- To discuss with the custody officer any concerns and requests arising from the custody visit and bring to the custody officer's attention any concern that needs to be dealt with.
- To complete the Independent Custody Visitor Report Form, ensuring that all relevant information is recorded correctly, clearly, and concisely.
- To distribute copies of the Independent Custody Visitor Report Form to the appropriate people.
- To complete and submit expense claims in line with the scheme guidelines.
- To attend continuous training sessions as appropriate.
- To attend 4 monthly panel meetings of the Independent Custody Visitors.
- To carry out the duties of an Independent Custody Visitor with regard to the Health and Safety requirements of the custody visiting scheme.
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Skills & Experience
Essential Criteria:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must live (or work) in the Sussex Police area
- To demonstrate sufficient time and flexibility to carry out the role of custody visiting, including training and meetings as appropriate
- To work with colleagues as part of a team to meet the Scheme’s agreed visiting programme
- To be able to communicate well both orally & in writing
- To demonstrate the ability to complete forms clearly & concisely
- To be able to communicate effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds
- To demonstrate an independent & impartial view in relation to all parties involved in the custody visiting process
- To be able to maintain confidentiality
Why Volunteer With Us?
We take pride in looking after our volunteers, through volunteering you will have the opportunity to:
- Make a real difference to your local community
- Support human rights, transparency, and accountability in policing
- Meet new people and network with others
- Learn about the Criminal Justice System
- Develop a range of transferable skills with ongoing personal development
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Further Information
Claire Taylor, Independent Custody Visiting Scheme Manager
A: Sackville House, Brooks Close, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2FZ
P: 07925 035053
Diversity Statement
We are only as good as our people. It's important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace, and we know that as an organisation, we'll grow from the variety of thinking, approach, and the skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a better policing service.
We have multiple staff support groups who help to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work. We are proud members of Disability Confident, hold Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status, are a signatory of the Race at Work Charter, and are aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement.
We are committed to being an anti-racist police service. We promise to challenge injustice, ensure fairness, and uphold anti-racist principles in both our organisation and our communities. For more information, you can read our full anti-racism statement here.
We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status, or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.
Please use the following links to find out more on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at Surrey Police and Sussex Police
Additional Information
Surrey Police & Sussex Police only accept applications online via our own careers site 'Police Jobs Surrey & Sussex'. Genuine job advertisements published on other websites will always redirect you to complete your application on our official careers site. If you are not redirected to our careers site, please do not submit your application.
Following submission of your application, you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application attached. Occasionally, emails from this address can fall into spam/junk folders, so please ensure this is checked regularly. You may wish to consider adding noreply@policejobssurreyandsussex.as.recruitmail.com to your address/contact list to ensure you receive all communications.
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