Police Appeal for Custody Check Volunteers

Volunteers are being sought by Kent Police to make independent checks on people being held in custody.The Kent Police Authority wants people to observe and report impartially and independently on conditions under which others are detained.

All volunteers, who receive training, have to be over the age of 18 although there is no upper age limit. Chairwoman of the authority, Ann Barnes, said custody visitors provided an invaluable service for others.

"Their work provides an independent 'quality assurance' check for the police and ensures the welfare needs of people who are detained are being met," she said.

The custody visiting scheme dates back to the 1980s in response to the Scarman Report into the Brixton Disorders of 1981.

It was brought in across the country with the aim of bringing the police and community closer together, partly from having a better understanding of what goes on in police stations.

In Kent, custody visitors are appointed to local panels, each of which appoints its own chairman who draws up the rota for visits. Panels are mostly responsible for undertaking unannounced visits to a single police station, normally at monthly intervals.

Working in pairs, the custody visitors carry out their inspection of custody conditions and talk privately with detainees about the conditions under which they are being held and how they are being treated before completing a report.

Police said volunteers were especially needed in Medway and east Kent. Anyone interested should contact the Kent Police Authority on 01622 677055.