Call for volunteers to help vulnerable suspects

A voluntary scheme in the West Midlands is helping people in custody for the first-time and vulnerable adults to get the help and support they need after being arrested.

Independent custody visitors (ICV) and appropriate adults (AA) are voluntary roles aimed at ensuring fairness and dignity in the justice system.

With seven police custody centres across the region, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner is urging more people to put themselves forward.

Simon Foster said: "It's all about making sure that our police custody centres are accountable, fair and safe for everyone".

Appropriate adults work with vulnerable detainees who may otherwise find it difficult to cope with being in police detention.

Their primary aims are to observe police actions, assist with communication, break down jargon and ensure detainees understand their rights and options.

Bev Wootton is a full time property manager and has been volunteering as an appropriate adult for almost a decade.

"When we come in we're totally independent, we introduce ourselves. They (detainees) feel like they've got somebody that's there to support them.

"The most satisfying thing about the role is the fact you're helping to process an individual. If we're not there then justice cannot happen. We're completely neutral," she explains.

Tobias Ogunsola is a law graduate and volunteers twice a week as an ICV to help those who've been arrested for the first time to understand their rights.

"I make sure they have access to food and water. Make sure they've been interviewed and know that they can speak to a nurse.

"You're meeting people at sometimes the lowest point in their lives. Your job is really not to know why they are there. It's to just look after them the best you can", he says.

Simon Foster added: "The work of our appropriate adults and independent custody visitors is fundamental to community confidence and transparency.

"However, demand remains high, and we need more compassionate, community-reflective volunteers to join the scheme."

Those interested in volunteering as an ICV or AA can email the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

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