Philip Seccombe joining an ICV visit in Leamington Custody 2024
Warwickshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner is supporting National Volunteers Week (3 June). Throughout the week Philip Seccombe will be taking part in an Independent Custody Visit at a police custody suite and attending a volunteers’ fair in North Warwickshire to raise awareness about the brilliant work our volunteers do. He’ll also be hosting a private event for volunteers to thank them for their crucial roles.
The Commissioner runs two volunteer schemes: Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) and Appropriate Adults (AAs).
Independent Custody Visitors visit police stations unannounced to check on the welfare of people in police custody. They undertake short confidential interviews with detainees to find out about their experience and treatment in custody. It’s a really important role to ensure that the rights and entitlements of detainees are being observed. The visits offer protections to both detainees and the police and provide reassurance to the community at large.
The Commissioner’s Appropriate Adults scheme supports vulnerable adults, including those with mental health problems, throughout their stay in police custody. They’ll be present at some of the most important stages a detainee will go through, including when they are interviewed by officers. The Appropriate Adult makes sure that the person detained understands what is happening and that the process is fair. The scheme ensures that vulnerable people can understand the criminal justice process, reducing the risk of miscarriages of justice and unjust convictions.
Philip Seccombe, Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner said:
“The roles of both the Independent Custody Visitors and Appropriate Adults are invaluable. They ensure the safety and wellbeing of detainees and can really make a difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our society. The roles also contribute to increasing confidence in policing.
“I’m also keen to highlight the other opportunities to volunteer within policing more widely. Whether that’s as a Special Constable, a Police Cadet, a Police Support Volunteer or as a member of one of our independent advisory groups, there are many ways that you can give time to help make a tangible difference and support your local community.
“I am grateful for the work all volunteers put in, unpaid and in their own time, which is hugely commendable. As a community we owe them a big thank you for their efforts.”
Gary, an Appropriate Adult Volunteer in Warwickshire said:
“In a nutshell I see myself as a friend of the detainees during my stay. I always stress this and that I am an unpaid volunteer.
“I get a great deal of personal satisfaction from the role as I often leave knowing I have helped someone less fortunate than myself and in doing so I have may have helped custody, police and solicitors.
“My experience of both custody suites is that all staff – custody Sergeants and Detention Officers – are brilliant.”
Mo, Independent Custody Volunteer in Warwickshire said:
“It’s an exceptionally rewarding role which provides an opportunity to offer support to fellow human beings and to participate in upholding the highest standards of policing.
“It provides society with the confidence that policing is subject to independent scrutiny to hold the police to account.”
If you would like to find out more about becoming an Independent Custody Visitor or Appropriate Adult and other volunteering opportunities, visit www.warwickshire-pcc.gov.uk/helpingyou/volunteer-schemes.
