Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Volunteer to visit police stations and ensure detainees are treated fairly.
- Company: Office of the Sussex PCC, committed to community engagement and public confidence.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, contribute to community welfare, and receive training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing essential skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, live in Sussex, and have good communication skills.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to fairness and justice.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
The Office of the Sussex PCC manages up to 40 dedicated volunteers who undertake vital duties for its Independent Custody Visiting (ICV) scheme. Representatives from the community are recruited and appointed on a geographical basis to visit the five police custody centres in Sussex (Brighton, Crawley, Eastbourne, Hastings and Worthing). Unannounced visits are made by pairs of visitors at varying times of the day and night to ensure a consistent pattern of visits. After every visit, the pair of visitors complete a written report form about their findings, which is then passed onto the ICV Scheme Manager at the Office of the Sussex PCC.
The Role & Key Responsibilities
- Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are members of the local community who volunteer to visit police stations unannounced to check on the treatment & welfare of people held in police custody.
- ICV recommendations can require the police to make improvements for the welfare of detainees.
- Working as part of a local panel, they play a valuable role in maintaining public confidence in this important area of policing by making sure that detainees are treated well.
Skills & Experience
- To arrange custody visits with fellow custody visitors, in line with agreed rotas.
- To keep the Coordinator & fellow custody visitors informed of any problems or changes to the visiting rota.
- To carry out custody visits to designated police stations in line with the scheme guidelines, handbook & training.
- To check on the conditions in which a detainee is kept, their health & wellbeing & their legal rights & entitlements, with reference to PACE code C.
- Where appropriate to consult the detainee's custody record to clarify & check any concerns raised by the detainee.
- To discuss with the custody officer any concerns & requests arising from the custody visit & bring to the custody officer's attention any issue that needs to be dealt with.
- To complete the Independent Custody Visitor Report Form, ensuring that all relevant information is recorded correctly, clearly & concisely.
- To distribute copies of the Independent Custody Visitor Report Form to the appropriate people.
- To complete & submit expense claims in line with the scheme guidelines.
- To attend continuous training sessions as appropriate.
- To attend 6 monthly panel meetings of the Independent Custody Visitors.
- To carry out the duties of an Independent Custody Visitor with regard to the Health & Safety requirements of the custody visiting scheme.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must live (or work) in the Sussex Police area.
- To demonstrate sufficient time & flexibility to carry out the role of custody visiting.
- To work with colleagues as part of a team to meet the Scheme's agreed visiting programme.
- To be able to communicate well both orally & in writing.
- To demonstrate the ability to complete forms clearly & concisely.
- To be able to communicate effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds.
- To demonstrate an independent & impartial view in relation to all parties involved in the custody visiting process.
- To be able to maintain confidentiality.
Further Information
Diversity Statement: We are only as good as our people. It's important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that as an organisation we'll grow from the variety of thinking, approach, and the skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a better policing service. We strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit is open and accessible to all.
We have multiple staff support groups who help to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work. We are proud members of Disability Confident, hold Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status, are a signatory of the Race at Work Charter and are aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement. We are committed to being an anti-racist police service. We promise to challenge injustice, ensure fairness and to uphold anti-racist principles in both our organisation and our communities. We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status, or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.
Independent Custody Visitor employer: Sussex Police
Contact Detail:
Sussex Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Custody Visitor
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the ICV scheme inside out! Familiarise yourself with the guidelines and responsibilities of an Independent Custody Visitor. This will not only help you during interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former ICVs through social media or local community groups. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As an ICV, you'll need to interact with a diverse range of people. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence in discussing sensitive topics.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest updates and resources to help you ace the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Custody Visitor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, make sure to keep your language clear and to the point. We want to see your thoughts without any fluff, so stick to the key details that showcase your skills and experience.
Show Your Passion: Let us know why you’re interested in becoming an Independent Custody Visitor! Share your motivation and how you connect with the role. A bit of enthusiasm can really make your application stand out.
Follow the Guidelines: Make sure you read through the job description and follow any specific instructions provided. This shows us that you pay attention to detail and can follow procedures, which is super important for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your information correctly and can process your application smoothly. Plus, it’s easy peasy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sussex Police
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of an Independent Custody Visitor. Understand the importance of checking on detainee welfare and how your role contributes to public confidence in policing.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be interacting with a diverse range of people, practice clear and concise communication. Role-play potential scenarios with a friend to build your confidence in discussing sensitive issues.
✨Be Prepared for Situational Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations during custody visits. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your impartiality, problem-solving skills, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
✨Show Your Commitment to Diversity
Highlight your understanding of diversity and inclusion during the interview. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your ability to work with people from various backgrounds, as this is crucial for the role.
