Police appeal for cell visit volunteers

South Yorkshire Police Authority are looking for volunteers to become Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) to check on the welfare of people being held in custody.

ICVs visit cells to observe, comment and report on the rights, health and welfare of people in custody, as well as the conditions of the detention facilities.

Sally Parkin, principal policy officer at South Yorkshire Police Authority, said:

“Volunteering and community work is a topical subject at the moment thanks to the coalition government's 'Big Society'.

“The role of an ICV presents an ideal opportunity for people to gain valuable experience whilst benefiting the wider community.”

ICVs always work in pairs and are asked to attend police stations unannounced. 

Visits last between one and three hours and ICVs will make at least one visit per month.

Training is provided and expenses are paid.

The police authority has been hosting a series of informal drop-in sessions where people can find out more about the scheme by talking to current custody visitors.

The next one is on  Saturday, April 16, 10am to noon at South Yorkshire Joint Secretariat headquarters, 18 Regent Street, Barnsley.

Anyone aged 18 or over who lives or works in South Yorkshire is eligible to apply but police officers, magistrates, special constables, lay justices and serving police authority staff, are exempt.

The closing date for ICV applications is Friday, May 6 at 4pm.

Anyone interested should visit www.southyorks.gov.uk for further information, including a downloadable application form, email [email protected] or call 01226 772842.