Custody volunteers: 'We never ask what they've done'
A scheme is appealing for volunteers to make sure the rights of those in police custody are being maintained.
Gloucestershire's Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner is looking for Independent Custody Visitors (ICV), who can help make sure a detainee has received their legal entitlements, such as solicitors, access to food and menstrual products.
Formed from people from the community, the volunteers work in pairs and regularly make unannounced visits to custody suites on a rota basis.
Annie White, who manages the ICV scheme, said it was all about making sure "the public voice is heard" when it comes to policing. “You will see a side of policing and the law that very few people get to experience," she added.
ICVs, with the detainee's consent, are entitled to visit anyone detained in police custody and following each visit, produce a written report of their findings.
Ms White said the role would include speaking to a variety of people, including custody staff and detainees who have been accused of varying crimes.
She said: "A really big important part of our scheme is that we don't ask the detainee what they've done."
"I think you need to be able to separate yourself from that and just say this is a person who I'm speaking to and I want to make sure they are being looked after," she added.
"We always say, 'How would you like your family member to be treated if they were to unfortunately end up in custody?'"
Ms White said the role was all about making "a difference".
For example, menstrual products and toilet roll holders have been introduced as a result of volunteers calling for them to be provided.
"That may sound minor but it is all part of that dignity and being able to have a hygienic and safe place for people to be," she added.
In terms of the people who volunteer, Ms White said it was "very varied", from former councillors, ex-criminal justice employees, and people who used to work in advertising.
"We currently have students as well who work with us and people who currently have full time jobs".
The recruitment window for the role closes on Monday 20 May.
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