Overview
Join to apply for the Independent Custody Visitor role at Surrey and Sussex Police.
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 on a geographical basis to visit the five police custody centres in Sussex: Brighton, Crawley, Eastbourne, Hastings and Worthing. Unannounced visits are carried out by pairs of visitors at varying times of the day and night. After every visit, the pair complete a written report which is passed to the ICV Scheme Manager at the Office of the Sussex PCC.
Role & Key Responsibilities
* Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are members of the local community who volunteer to visit police stations unannounced to check on the treatment and welfare of people held in police custody. ICV recommendations can require the police to make improvements for detainees’ welfare.
* Work as part of a local panel to support public confidence in policing by ensuring detainees are treated well.
* Arrange custody visits with fellow custody visitors in line with agreed rotas.
* Keep the Coordinator and fellow custody visitors informed of any problems or changes to the visiting rota.
* Carry out custody visits to designated police stations in line with the scheme guidelines, handbook and training.
* Check the conditions of detention, detainee health and wellbeing, and their legal rights and entitlements (referencing PACE Code C).
* Consult the detainee’s custody record to clarify or check concerns raised by the detainee where appropriate.
* Discuss any concerns or requests with the custody officer and bring to their attention any issues needing action.
* Complete the Independent Custody Visitor Report Form accurately and concisely and distribute copies to the appropriate people.
* Complete and submit expense claims in line with scheme guidelines.
* Attend continuous training sessions as appropriate and participate in six-monthly panel meetings.
* Carry out duties in line with Health & Safety requirements of the custody visiting scheme.
Essential Criteria
* Must be at least 18 years of age
* Must live (or work) in the Sussex Police area
* Demonstrate sufficient time and flexibility to carry out the role
* Work with colleagues as part of a team to meet the scheme’s visiting programme
* Communicate well both orally and in writing
* Complete forms clearly and concisely
* Communicate effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds
* Demonstrate an independent and impartial view in relation to all parties involved in the custody visiting process
* Maintain confidentiality
Further Information
Claire Taylor
Independent Custody Visiting Scheme Manager
A: Sackville House, Brooks Close, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2FZ
P: 07925 035053
Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We value the differences people bring from all backgrounds and communities and invite applications from everyone. We are an anti-racist police service and strive to challenge injustice while upholding fairness. For more information, see our full anti-racism statement and equality, diversity and inclusion resources.
We are proud members of Disability Confident, Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status, Race at Work Charter, and are aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and HeForShe.
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