Do you have a genuine interest in criminal justice and want to make a real difference in your community? If so, we’d love to hear from you!
We are looking for volunteers to become part of our Independent Custody Visiting scheme. Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) make unannounced visits to custody suites to check on the welfare of detainees and the facilities in which they are held.
Visitors are volunteers and are not paid a salary but are reimbursed for any expenses they incur whilst carrying out their duties, such as car mileage and parking costs.
The OPCC are an equal opportunities organisation. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our volunteers. We welcome applications from all people of all backgrounds and experiences, including those from underrepresented groups. We particularly welcome applications from younger people, who are currently underrepresented in our team of custody visitors.
You do not need any formal qualifications but will benefit from regular training. We invite applications from individuals who are:
- Over 18 years old and live or work in Devon and Cornwall
- Have been a resident in the UK for at least 3 years prior to application
- Are not a serving police officer, magistrate, member of police staff, member of OPCC staff or involved in the criminal justice system.
- Are willing to undergo security checks, including police vetting and references
- Have sufficient mobility, sight and hearing to undertake visits to custody safely
- Have a good understanding of the English language
- Possess effective communication skills
- Have the ability to demonstrate an independent and impartial view in relation to all parties involved in the criminal justice process
- Have the ability to work with colleagues as part of a team
- Are respectful and understanding towards others
- Can maintain confidentiality
- Have the time and flexibility to conduct two visits per month. Visits are conducted at different times of the week, day, and night
- Are able to attend up to four ICV panel meetings a year – two in person Saturday meetings (usually Exeter and one other venue) and two weekday evening meetings (via MS Teams)
- Are IT literate and able to access email
We are looking to bolster our visitor numbers particularly in Cornwall and Plymouth, but we welcome applications from volunteers who can visit any of the custody centres in Devon and Cornwall.
Whilst it is expected that volunteers will undertake the majority of visits at their nominated custody suite, there will be the expectation that the volunteer has flexibility to conduct visits to other custody suites on occasion.
If you would like to apply to become an ICV, please follow the instructions and links below. Applicants are encouraged to tailor their application to the person specification set out in the application guide below, showing examples of where they meet the required criteria.
To find out more, please email OPCC@dc-pcc.gov.uk or call 01392 497700 (lines open Monday-Friday 10am-2pm) and ask to speak to Erica Harris.
The deadline for applications is 11:59pm on Monday, September 15, 2025. Please submit all applications and equality monitoring forms to the Accountability and Standards Team at the OPCC via one of the following methods:
Email: OPCC@dc-pcc.gov.uk
Post: Accountability and Standards Team, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Hocking House, Alderson Drive, Exeter, EX2 7RP
We look forward to hearing from you!