Jersey Police Authority

Help protect the welfare and rights of people held in police custody in Jersey.

The Jersey Police Authority is looking for volunteers to join its Independent Custody Visiting Scheme.

Independent Custody Visitors play an important role in providing independent oversight of police custody. Working in pairs, volunteers make visits to custody areas to check on the conditions in which detainees are held, including their health, wellbeing, rights and entitlements. Their observations help support transparency, accountability and public confidence in policing.

The Jersey Police Authority is independent of the States of Jersey Police and works to safeguard the community while holding the States of Jersey Police to account for efficient and effective policing.

ICVA - Role Of A Custody Visitor

About the role

As an Independent Custody Visitor, you will:

• Visit designated custody suites with another custody visitor, in line with agreed schedules.
• Check on the welfare, rights and entitlements of detainees.
• Speak with detainees, where appropriate, and raise any immediate concerns with custody staff.
• Review custody records where necessary and within the scope of the role.
• Complete clear and accurate visit reports.
• Escalate any concerns that require further attention.
• Attend training and panel meetings to support your development in the role.
• Maintain strict confidentiality at all times, including not sharing details about detainees, custody visits or people met in custody with others, on social media, or with the media.

This is a voluntary role, but it makes a real contribution to the fair and humane treatment of people held in custody.

Who we are looking for

You do not need previous custody visiting experience. Full training and support will be provided.

We are looking for people who are:

• Aged 18 or over and able to pass police vetting checks.
• Living or working in Jersey.
• Able to travel to custody visits and attend meetings.
• Reliable, flexible and able to give time to the role, including some visits outside normal working hours.
• Clear and confident communicators, both verbally and in writing.
• Respectful of diversity, equality and the different backgrounds, views and circumstances of others.
• Able to remain independent, impartial and objective.
• Calm, resilient and appropriately assertive when dealing with challenging situations.
• Committed to confidentiality, following policies and ongoing learning.

Candidates must be independent of:

• The Police Authority
• The Chief Officer (Justice and Home Affairs)
• The Agent of the Impôts
• The Chief Immigration Officer.

An interest in human rights, detainee welfare or the criminal justice system would be helpful, but it is not essential.

Why volunteer?

By becoming an Independent Custody Visitor, you will:

• Help protect the dignity, welfare and rights of people in custody.
• Support independent scrutiny of police detention.
• Contribute to public confidence in policing in Jersey.
• Gain insight into an important area of criminal justice.
• Receive training, guidance and support from the scheme.

Time commitment

Custody visits are arranged in line with the scheme’s schedule and are carried out with another visitor. Volunteers will also be expected to attend training and team meetings. Some availability outside normal working hours will be required. In general, we would like each ICV volunteer to commit to two custody visits and one team meeting per month.

Important information

Independent Custody Visitors must remain impartial and independent. Volunteers must also maintain strict confidentiality and follow the policies, procedures and health and safety requirements of the scheme.

Appointment will be subject to the successful completion of police vetting and enhanced DBS check.

For an informal discussion about this volunteer opportunity, please contact Shane Wolstenholme at S.Wolstenholme2@gov.je.