This in from the Hampshire Police Authority, in their own words. Congratulations to all honoured at the reception. Ed
Volunteers who inspect police cells across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to protect the welfare of detainees have been honoured at a reception by Hampshire Police Authority.
The Independent Custody Visitors (ICV) scheme has been running for 25 years, and seeks to ensure that those in police custody are treated fairly and with dignity at a time when they may be at their most vulnerable.
Independent Custody Visitors past and present were honoured at the dinner hosted in Netley on 4 April hosted by the Chair of the Authority, Councillor Jacqui Rayment.
Celebrating contribution
Addressing the volunteers, Councillor Rayment said: “This evening not only commemorates 25 years of custody visiting or lay visiting as it was known much of that time, but also celebrates the contribution made by retired and current Custody Visitors.
“Custody visiting has a vital role in reassuring communities that their police force operates within guidelines and is subject to scrutiny by independent members of the public. So I’d like to put on record the Police Authority’s thanks to all our Custody Visitors, past and present, for continuing to maintain the high standards of the Hampshire scheme.”
Playing an important role
Chief Constable Alex Marshall from Hampshire Constabulary also expressed his thanks to the volunteers saying “Independent Custody visitors play an important role in checking the safety and welfare of people detained in police cells. The members of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight scheme have fulfilled this critical function for a quarter of a century. I wish to thank past and present custody visitors for their excellent work over such a long period.”
Seven volunteers were presented with certificates for 25 years service: Beryl Adams, Barbara Bailey, Neil Birkett, Terry Carter, John Debenham and Andrew Galfskiy. Lois Bower was honoured for 10 years service. Maurice Beale, Bob Germon, Nick Goulder, Frank Keller, Bharat Shah, Vanessa Upton, Simon Wainman, Ian Wilson and David Wiseman were presented with certificates for five years service.
Peter Wyles was not at the reception but will receive his 25 years certificate at a later date.
Volunteers are being sought to join the south east and south west panels of the Independent Custody Visiting scheme for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. For more information, visit our website.
