28 Oct 2020
Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn is looking to recruit several members of the public to support one of his key volunteering schemes, the Independent Custody Visitors scheme.
Independent Custody Visitors, (ICVs), are members of the public who volunteer to make unannounced visits to police custody to provide an independent check on the rights, entitlements and wellbeing of detainees in custody.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn said; ”Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are amazing people. They give up their own time to visit police custody, speak to detainees and recommend changes. It’s one of the most important volunteering schemes that I run through my Office, and I’m extremely grateful for the support that these volunteers give me with my scrutiny activity.
“This scheme – and others run by my office – helps to protect vulnerable people and ensure professionalism in Dyfed-Powys Police.”
Independent Custody Visitor John Jones said: “I believe that the Custody Staff within the Force accept the need for the scrutiny we provide through this volunteering role, and they are always willing to discuss matters with us - this makes me feel part of something which is making a difference.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn added; ”ICVs can visit custody suites at any time of day or night, 7 days a week so you can volunteer even if you have full-time work or study commitments. If anyone is interested in volunteering and becoming a part of our much valued extended volunteer family, please visit our website, or contact my office”.
It is a statutory duty for a Police and Crime Commissioner to have an ICV scheme in place and therefore Due to Covid-19, where physical visits are unable to take place. Custody visitors are able to make weekly telephone calls to Custody Suites in order to speak directly with detainees - who accept their call - to check on their welfare and to ensure they had been made aware of their rights and entitlements.
The situation with physical visits is continuously reviewed, and adjusted within each local authority, depending on Covid-19 levels and localised lockdowns.
For more information, visit www.dyfedpowys-pcc.org.uk .
ENDS
More information:
Caryl Bond
Assurance Support Officer
Caryl.Bond.OPCC@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk
