Independent Custody Visitor

Independent Custody Visitor – Are you interested in policing? Are you passionate about helping vulnerable people in your local community? If you are ready for a new challenge, this role is for you. The Office of the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner manages up to 40 dedicated volunteers who undertake vital duties for the Independent Custody Visiting Scheme. Representatives from the community are recruited, trained and appointed to a team based on a geographical basis to visit the five police custody centres in Sussex. Unannounced visits are made by pairs of visitors at varying times of the day and night. The volunteers are escorted by a custody officer to speak with people being held at the police station, ensuring that their rights, entitlements and welfare are being upheld. After each visit, the volunteers complete a written report about their findings to submit to the Scheme Manager with information. Each volunteer will be invited to make one visit every 6-8 weeks depending on their availability. Each visit lasts approximately 30 – 90 minutes.