The Police Authority operates
an Independent Custody Visiting Scheme for the
North Yorkshire Police Area.
Independent custody visitors are members of the local community who are appointed
by the Police Authority to visit police stations unannounced to check on the
welfare of people in police custody and to report back to the Authority on
what they find.
We require representatives from as wide a variety of backgrounds and sections
of the community as possible. No experience is necessary as you will be fully
trained and supported in conducting your visits, which are always in pairs.
The only limitations are that
- You will need to be over 18 years of age
- You must not be a serving police
officer, special constable or otherwise be involved in the criminal justice
system eg. Solicitor
- You must not have a current conviction
- You must live, work or be studying
in North Yorkshire
Other than that, we would like to hear from you and are happy to speak informally
on the phone about the work of our Independent Custody Visitors prior to sending
out an application pack.
Upon appointment you would be assigned to your local group of Independent
Custody Visitors dependent upon what location is most convenient for you from
the choice of Harrogate, York, Skipton, Northallerton and Scarborough. This
would be termed your “panel”.
The time commitment is not onerous as you would be asked to carry out a minimum
of 8 visits a year (approximately 1 visit every 6 weeks), which can be conducted
at a time to suit yourself and your accompanying ICV colleague. You would be
asked to attend at least 2 of your local group meetings which are held during
the evening once every 3 months and to undertake a days induction training
during your first year
Although the role is voluntary, we do pay expenses occurred. It is also a
very valuable addition to any programme of university study or employment CV
as well as being an interesting and valuable role within your community, as
no two visits are ever the same.
Whilst many of our visitors are with us for many years we are often looking
for people to help us expand the scheme and carry out this valuable voluntary
service. Therefore, whatever age you are (18+) or background you are from we
would like to hear from you.
Either telephone Claire Jackson on 01765 641839
Email nypa@btconnect.com
Download the
application form, fill it in and post it to:
Claire Jackson
Custody Visiting Scheme
NYPA Clerk's Unit
PO Box No 106
Ripon
North Yorkshire
HG4 5WA
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