VOLUNTEERS are needed to keep an eye on the way people locked up in York’s police cells are treated.

North Yorkshire Police Authority (NYPA) is urgently trying to recruit more people to join the Independent Custody Visiting Scheme in York.

Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are members of the public who are authorised to make unannounced visits to people in police custody to check how they are being treated and the conditions they are being kept in.

After the visits their findings are monitored by NYPA to ensure the police are maintaining high standards.

Scheme administrator Claire Askew said: “This is a unique voluntary role, as ICVs have random and largely unfettered access to detainees. “The scheme requires representatives from as wide a variety of backgrounds and sections of the community as possible. No experience is necessary, as you will be fully trained and supported in conducting your visits.

“Independent Custody Visits are always made in pairs, at any time during the day and on any day of the week that is convenient to yourself and the ICV you are paired with. Visits usually last one hour on average, but this timescale may vary depending on how busy the custody area is at the time of your visit.

“ICVs are normally expected to make on average one or two visits each month to the police station in the area in which they live, so this is an ideal voluntary scheme if you wish to contribute something back to your local community without committing too much time from your work, studying, social or family life.

“Group meetings are also held four times a year to raise issues and share experiences.”

Anyone interested in becoming an ICV for the York area, who is aged 18 or over and would like to request an information and application pack, should phone Claire on 01765 641839, email info@nypa.gov.uk, or visit nypa.gov.uk for more information.