Volunteers Week: highlighting the essential role of volunteers in police scrutiny

This week Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Darryl Preston and this team say thank you to the amazing people who give their time and skills to make a difference in our community. As the 40th anniversary of Volunteers’ Week unfolds, we highlight the invaluable contributions made by our volunteers and acknowledge their dedication to supporting the PCC in his duty to hold the Chief Constable of Cambridgeshire Constabulary to account.  

The role of volunteers in scrutinising the police is crucial in ensuring transparency, building public trust and upholding the highest standards of policing. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and bring diverse experiences and viewpoints, providing a comprehensive and independent perspective to police scrutiny.  

The OPCC offer several opportunities for community members to get involved in police scrutiny. This week we look at the work of three important volunteer groups that are assisted by the OPCC, these being the Community Scrutiny Panel, Animal Welfare Visiting Scheme and Independent Custody Visiting Scheme. 

 

Community Scrutiny Panel 

Community Scrutiny Panel members represent the voice of everyone living, working and studying across our diverse county. The group is made up of independent volunteers aged 16 and above, who share a desire to deliver positive change in policing across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.  

Whilst meetings are facilitated by the OPCC, Panel meetings are independently chaired and members are encouraged to speak freely and honestly to ensure the genuine view of the citizen is considered.  

“An important part of my job is to hold the Chief Constable to account for the way that officers and staff carry out their roles,” said Darryl. “Our Scrutiny Panel plays a vital role in helping to ensure officers carry out their duty in line with strict protocols and professionalism.” 

Some of the Panel’s most notable achievements include initiating an improvement in the quality of the grounds recorded in the use of Stop and Search, prompting an enhancement of the protection of individuals during Strip Searches and instigating enhanced mental health training to be provided to all front-line officers. 

“Attending this Panel has given me a whole new perspective on life, it also gives me the chance to give honest and constructive feedback to help improve front-line policing,” said Mellissa, Community Scrutiny Panel member. “I attend Panel meetings, open events, and volunteering at the Monks Wood training ground to ensure that I can provide an effective voice for the community.” 

In addition to supporting the scrutiny of the Constabulary, members such as Melek joined the Panel to also learn something new. “I chose to be part of the Community Scrutiny Panel to enhance my knowledge on policing practices,” said Melek. 

 

Independent Custody Visiting Scheme 

Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) are members of the local community who make unannounced visits to custody to observe, comment and report to the Commissioner on the conditions under which people are detained in custody suites. 

In November last year, the Independent Custody Visiting Association (ICVA) – the national membership organisation that supports, leads and represents these schemes – awarded Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s Independent Custody Visitors Scheme with a gold award for its quality assurance, recognising the scheme nationally for its excellent quality of work.  

“I am delighted that our Independent Custody Visiting Scheme has been assessed at such a high standard,” said Darryl Preston welcoming the award. “Those who volunteer I know are passionate about ensuring police custody is a safe environment and have continued to work hard to suggest improvements when required. I would like to thank the volunteers and my colleague Shona McKenzie who manages the scheme within my office – this award is very much deserved.”  

ICVs play a valuable role in maintaining public confidence in this important area of policing and determine whether the regulations governing detention have been complied with, and the interests of detainees properly considered. Volunteers carry out frequent checks to oversee the welfare of detainees and ensure they receive their rights and entitlements. They talk to detainees directly (with their consent), speak to custody staff and monitor the physical condition of custody facilities. Their findings are reported back to the Independent Custody Visiting Scheme manager and the PCC, who is responsible for making recommendations for action and improvement. 

“I enjoy this role and always get cooperation from the custody sergeants and other custody staff, despite being an unexpected interruption to their otherwise busy day. I get satisfaction from being part of an independent team helping custody to continuously improve the way it operates,” said Jonathan, ICV volunteer.  

“It is the ICV link that has led to me becoming a member and Co-Chair of the Community Scrutiny Panel. I currently chair the (new to 2024) Custody Panel and look forward to focussing into different aspects of custody work which I hope will lead to ongoing improvement and increased community assurance in custody.”  

Jo joined the Independent Custody Visiting Scheme as she enjoys “putting back” into the community in which she lives. “My roles involve both Custody Visting & Police Dog Welfare Checks, neither of which is hugely demanding, but both are equally fulfilling,” said Jo. “I have gained a wider understanding of how the police work, and the checks that are in place to ensure due process is followed. I’ve met interesting & varied fellow volunteers and made new friends. While much of the work we do is repetitive, there are definitely occasions where I’ve come away thinking “yes, today we made a difference, we helped someone & improved their lives”. 

 

Animal Welfare Visiting Scheme 

In December 2012, a joint Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Independent Dog Welfare Visiting scheme was established. The scheme is administrated by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough OPCC on behalf of the Police and Crime Commissioners for all three areas. 

The scheme’s target is for volunteers to visit all police dogs in a six-month period and report on their findings. The scheme administrator liaises with the dog unit and if issues are noted they are resolved swiftly, with visitors being informed of the actions taken.  

The main role of the scheme administrator includes:  

• Managing and coordinating dog welfare visits. 
• Collating findings and responding to issues identified by volunteers. 
• Sending regular schedules of dog training events to the visitors. 
• Administrating and chairing six-monthly meetings. 

“Having been a dog owner for most of my life I am passionate about their care and wellbeing. To have the opportunity to assist in their care and protection was a wonderful opportunity,” said Lesley, ICV and Animal Welfare Visitor.  

“On a separate note having been a PCC volunteer for about 8 years now, I have been very impressed by the respect and regard that PCC volunteers are afforded. This is critical to a role where one gives one’s time and energy for free as the psychological contract is based primarily on this and obviously the personal enjoyment of the role.” 

Peju’s desire to become an Animal Welfare Visitor stemmed from having a deep admiration for the loyal and hardworking dogs who serve our communities. “Witnessing their dedication and the vital role they play in policing, prompted me to seek a volunteer position that would enable me to contribute towards ensuring their well-being during their service,” said Peju. “Volunteering, is a fulfilling way to give back to these remarkable animals while also making a meaningful impact in my community.” 

The Commissioner welcomes applications for volunteering roles from all eligible candidates irrespective of their religious belief, political opinion, gender, disability, age, race, marital status, sexuality or whether they have dependants or not.  

Volunteers receive comprehensive training to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their volunteering role.  

To find out more about volunteering roles with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough OPCC, visit our website at www.cambridgeshire-pcc.gov.uk/contact-us-and-get-involved/volunteer/ 

 To register your interest in joining the Community Scrutiny Panel, please email the OPCC at [email protected] or telephone: 0300 333 3456.