The Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk has praised the work of the county’s independent custody visitors and said they help improve the welfare, care and dignity of people in police custody.
Tim Passmore thanked the team of volunteers from Suffolk and Norfolk during an event at Suffolk Constabulary’s headquarters in Martlesham.
Independent custody visitors are local people who make unannounced visits to police custody suites to check on the welfare, rights and entitlements of detainees.
They speak with detainees in their cells to ensure they have access to legal advice, medical care, food, drink and clean bedding.
Tim said: “Our team of ICVs are completely independent of the Constabulary and act as the "eyes and ears" of the local community.
"Independent scrutiny is a vital part of maintaining public confidence in policing and helping us identify opportunities to improve services.”
The event brought together independent custody visitors from Suffolk and Norfolk, alongside appropriate adults from Anglia Care Trust, to share learning and hear from specialist speakers that support detainees, particularly those who are vulnerable.
They heard from professionals working across health, education and policing.
Lucy Beven, specialist speech and language therapist at Suffolk County Council's Specialist Education Services, spoke about communication needs.
She outlined the challenges often faced by young people within the criminal justice system.
Attendees were also given an update on developments in public and personal safety training and an overview of custody services across both counties.
Tim added: "It is particularly important that we continue working closely with our partners to support vulnerable people who come into contact with the criminal justice system.
“This includes those experiencing mental health difficulties and children and young people, recognising that police custody is often not the most appropriate place for them.”
For more information about the role please visit our Independent Custody Visitors page.