Category: Other

INDEPENDENT CUSTODY VISITORS – VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED

We are currently looking for new members for Norfolk’s Independent Custody Visiting (ICV) Scheme.

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Norfolk has a statutory responsibility to establish and manage an Independent Custody Visiting Scheme.

Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are members of the local community who volunteer to visit Norfolk’s Police Investigation Centres (PICs), unannounced and in pairs, to check on the treatment and welfare of people held in police custody.

They play a valuable role in maintaining public confidence in this important area of policing.

There is a panel of visitors allocated to each of the four Norfolk PICs (Aylsham, Great Yarmouth, Kings Lynn and Wymondham) who make visits on a weekly basis to make sure that detainees are treated fairly and with respect.

A short report of their findings is made prior to leaving the PIC which provides assurance for the PCC that anyone detained by the police and held in custody is treated fairly and has access to appropriate facilities.  Copies of the reports are provided for the police, the PCC and the ICVs’ local panel for discussion and follow-up.

An Independent Custody Visitor (ICV) does not need to know why a person is being detained in custody, and they do not talk to those held about the reason for their detention or follow up on what happens subsequently.  The role is purely objective and ensures that the detainees’ legal rights have been offered and explained.

Strict rules of confidentiality apply.  Detainees are identified only by their custody numbers and the details of what visitors see and hear must also be treated as confidential.

It is equally important that ICVs maintain their independence and impartiality and do not become involved or take sides.  They are there to look, listen and report on conditions in the custody facility.

ICVs are unpaid, but receive allowances to cover travelling expenses.  They must be over 18 years of age, reside or work in Norfolk and have no direct involvement in the criminal justice system – this is to prevent possible conflicts of interests for the individual and maintains the independence of the Scheme.

The role involves visiting on all days of the week and at all times of day and night to ensure that custody facilities are visited across a broad spectrum of their working hours.

Those interested in becoming an Independent Custody Visitor can obtain an application pack by contacting the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk by telephone 01953 423851 or by emailICVAdministrator@norfolk.pnn.police.uk

University Campus Suffolk (UCS) is working with police in Norfolk and Suffolk to understand people’s perceptions of crime, anti-social behaviour and local policing services in their area.

The online Community Safety Survey started on Thursday 2 July 2015 and will be a pivotal part of research led by UCS. It asks the public about their opinions on crime and anti-social behaviour, whether they have witnessed this in their local area and their experiences of encounters with the police.

The following is a local policing update for the Rural Flegg Villages neighbourhood

 Weekly crime summary 14 – 20 October 2015

We would like to remind residents that with Halloween soon approaching there are a few safety steps that can be taken, whether you are staying in and do not wish to be called upon or if your children are taking part in ‘Trick and Treating’.

·         ‘Trick and Treat not welcome’ posters will soon be available from Great Yarmouth Police Station’s front office. These are for residents who do not wish to be called upon during the evening of Halloween. They can be easily displayed in a front window to discourage Trick and Treating.  Please call 101 and ask for a poster to be dropped off to you or visit the desk at Yarmouth Police Station to pick one up.

·         If you have persistent callers or any anti-social behaviour towards you or your property during Halloween please call 101 to report it or 999 if you are in fear and believe a crime is being committed.

·         If you can, take time to check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives.

·         If your children are taking part in Trick and Treating please reinforce some guidelines for calling at neighbouring addresses:

·         Please do not allow children to call at homes which are displaying ‘Trick or Treat not welcome’ posters

·         Please do not allow children to call at sheltered housing complexes or care homes

·         Please remind children that throwing eggs and flour at property is not permitted and could result in calls to police for criminal damage or anti-social behaviour

·         Please accompany young children

·         Please remind children not to enter the homes of strangers even if invited to

·         Remind children of road safety; the clocks go back on October 25 so the evenings will be darker

Local shops will be encouraged not to sell eggs and flour to children in the run up to Halloween and community officers will be patrolling locally during the evening.