At a Glance
- Tasks: Visit police custody centres to check on detainee conditions and report findings.
- Company: Office of the Sussex PCC, committed to community engagement and fairness.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, contribute to justice, and be part of a supportive volunteer network.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to anti-racism and equality.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing essential skills.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a passion for justice and community service.
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 involves checking on the conditions in which a detainee is kept and their health, 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.
Following submission of your application you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application attached. Occasionally emails from this address can fall into spam/junk folders so please ensure this is checked regularly. You may wish to consider adding noreply@surreysussexpolice.as.recruitmail.com to your address/contact list to ensure you receive all communications.
Independent Custody Visitor employer: Sussex Police
The Office of the Sussex PCC is an exemplary employer, offering a unique opportunity for community-minded individuals to engage in meaningful volunteer work as Independent Custody Visitors. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the organisation fosters a supportive work culture that values the contributions of all volunteers, providing training and development opportunities to enhance their skills. Located across multiple sites in Sussex, this role not only allows for flexible engagement but also plays a crucial part in ensuring fair treatment within the policing system, making it a rewarding experience for those passionate about justice and community service.
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 role and responsibilities of an Independent Custody Visitor. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former ICVs through social media or community groups. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up on what to expect in the selection process.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family, focusing on questions related to community engagement and your understanding of policing issues. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, keep an eye on your spam folder for any communications from us after you apply – we wouldn’t want you to miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Custody Visitor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and motivations for wanting to become an Independent Custody Visitor.
Follow the Instructions:Make sure you read the application guidelines carefully. We’ve laid out what we’re looking for, so stick to the format and answer all the questions. This shows us that you can follow directions and pay attention to detail!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve got any experience related to community work, volunteering, or dealing with sensitive situations, make sure to mention it! We love seeing how your background can contribute to our mission of delivering a better policing service.
Check Your Email:After you submit your application, keep an eye on your inbox (and spam folder!) for a confirmation email from us. It’s important to stay updated, so consider adding our email to your contacts to avoid missing any communications.
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 unannounced visits and how they contribute to detainee welfare. This knowledge will help you articulate your motivation for the role during the interview.
✨Show Your Commitment to Diversity
Since the organisation values diversity and inclusion, be prepared to discuss how your background or experiences align with their commitment to anti-racism and community representation. Share examples of how you've engaged with diverse communities in the past.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the ICV scheme and its impact on policing. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Questions about training and support for volunteers can also demonstrate your eagerness to learn.
✨Practice Your Reporting Skills
Since you'll need to complete written reports after visits, practice summarising information clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a mock report based on hypothetical findings to showcase your ability to communicate effectively during the interview.
