VOLUNTEERS are needed to check on the welfare of people in police cells around North Yorkshire.

Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) check on the treatment of detainees in police custody to ensure their rights and entitlements are met and they are kept in acceptable conditions.

Richard Terry and Glen Bartliff are two ICVs who carry out unannounced inspections at York Police Station, but the force needs more volunteers to check the cells in York, Harrogate and Scarborough.

Glenn, who worked for 37 years in the military and studied criminology at university, said: "I thought that ICV work looked interesting because I would be able to see how detainees are treated, and importantly, understand that police detention procedures are being observed correctly.

"After working in the military for such a long time, I believe that I had gained a wide understanding of different elements of society, so I thought I would be comfortable dealing with detainees from various walks of life."

Issues raised by ICVs at custody suites are dealt with by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, and are taken up directly with North Yorkshire Police.

Glenn, 70, said: "I think many people would find this role very interesting. And for anyone worried about safety, steps are taken to protect ICVs, for example, we never interview anyone who is potentially dangerous, always work in pairs and there is always a detention officer nearby."

Richard Terry has been an ICV for more than 15 months, and said he was looking for a voluntary role that would be ‘intellectually stimulating, fulfilling and of benefit to the wider community’.

He said: "When interviewing a detainee, we never know who they are or why they are there because it’s vital that we are non-judgemental when speaking to them, and at that point, many have not been convicted or charged.

"Once the interview has been completed, with the detainee’s permission, we analyse custody records and make correct judgements about how legal rights are being provided. You really do feel that you are helping, some people may not want to speak to you but the ones that need you make it all worthwhile."

To apply, or for more information, phone 01423 569562, go to northyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk/icv or email Ian Fithian-Franks on Fithian-Franks@northyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk