Volunteers are needed to provide an independent check on the welfare of people who are detained in police custody.

Drawn from all walks of life they make random, unannounced visits in pairs to police custody suites throughout Dorset and report their findings.

There are currently an average of 20 Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) who make regular visits to Dorset Police custody suites. The ICVs also meet on a quarterly basis to discuss their findings at a team meeting chaired by an ICV elected from their peers and attended by senior members of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and Dorset Police.

ICVs are appointed, trained and overseen by the OPCC and are totally independent of the police force. They carry out an important and highly valued role that helps to strengthen police accountability.

The ICV role is extremely important. Detainees are able to share any concerns they may have related to their detention with the ICV who can then liaise with officers to help resolve any issues.

If you are interested in becoming an ICV – please go to the Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner website, click on the ‘Get Involved’ tab at the top of the page, click onto the Volunteering page, follow the information on the ICV page and click the ‘Apply Now’ section.

If there are any aspects of the application or role that you would like to discuss, please email: pcc@dorset.pnn.police.uk or call, 01202 229084.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 30 June as interviews will take place week commencing 26 July.