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The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
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Excellence celebrated at annual police awards

Excellence celebrated at annual police awards

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Exceptional examples of how police officers, staff and volunteers go above and beyond in their line of duty to make Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly safer places to live, work and visit, has been acknowledged during an inspiring awards ceremony. 

Police Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, who attended the second Annual Recognition of Excellence in Policing Awards at Sandy Park Conference Centre on Friday, June 13, has given her heartfelt thanks to the recipients across 19 varied categories. 

The awards included Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) of the Year which was awarded to Shirley Graham. Her role is more unique than most due to working on the Isles of Scilly. She not only carries out policing duties; she has also helped save lives due to her first aid training and is also a Firearms Enquiry Officer. 

The category of Detective of the Year was awarded to Detective Constable Jon Stephens whose work on rape and serious sexual offences has led to the convictions of many offenders. 

The annual awards acknowledge the excellent contributions being made to policing day in day out. Nominations were submitted from across the force, alongside endorsements from partner agencies.   

Commissioner Hernandez said: “It is a privilege to have supported these awards again which recognise the exceptional efforts and achievements within Devon & Cornwall Police. I have heard incredible stories of how police officers, staff and volunteers have gone above and beyond to keep communities safe, bring perpetrators to justice and protect victims. 

“They do not always get the credit they deserve for going that extra mile, especially in highly complex and challenging policing specialisms. I would personally like to thank everyone within the force who is helping to provide a police service that people can trust and have confidence in.” 

Chief Constable James Vaughan said: “It was an honour to present these awards to officers, staff and volunteers who embody the best in policing across the Force. I was humbled to hear their stories, and it is only right that they are recognised for how they serve our communities with competence, compassion and a common-sense approach. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated.” 

Bill Skelly QPM, Chair of Trustees of the Museum of Policing in Devon and Cornwall, added: “As a policing charity, it is a privilege to work with the Force and the Commissioner to recognise all the efforts of officers and staff through the year, which are often taken for granted, or go unrecognised. Their achievements form part of tomorrow’s policing history, which we are honoured to preserve.” 

The winners of the Excellence in Policing Awards 2025 included: 

Living our Purpose: Compassion, Competence, and Common Sense 

Detective Constable Kathryn Harris 

Kathryn Harris

In 2024, three predatory men were found guilty of raping vulnerable young girls in Plymouth. Between them they were sentenced to more than 40 years in prison. 

The outcome was as the result of a complex and lengthy child sexual exploitation investigation called Operation Garcia which resulted in a total of four men being charged. DC Harris was the officer in the case which included conducting the investigation, locating evidence, and interviewing both witnesses and suspects. She was also the dedicated Sexual Offence Liaison Officer for the final five complainants after gaining their trust. 

DC Harris has been praised for her consistency, compassion and dedication which was critical to the investigation, and achieving justice and future safeguarding. The trial judge commended the work of DC Harris and the wider team.  

In her award nomination, DC Harris was described as an ‘exceptional detective’ and a first-class example of what public service should look like.  

Patrol Officer of the Year 

Police Constable Nicola Page 

Nicola Page

In her role as NBM for Torpoint and surrounding area, PC Gething has been proactive in dealing with multiple incidents of antisocial behaviour (ASB) in the Millbrook area over the last year through the Millbrook Youth Project. That work has included instigating intervention from the Assertive

Outreach Team to unlock potential in young people and providing various activities for local youths to engage with over the summer month, supported by the local parish council and councillors.  

It has resulted in reports of ASB greatly reducing which has been positively welcomed by the local community. 

PC Gething has also played a key role in helping eight families who relocated to the area under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP), a national scheme aimed at supporting Afghan citizens who worked for or with the UK government in Afghanistan.  

In her award nomination, she has been described as being the friendly face of local policing while skillfully managing the risk of harm to local communities. She was praised for being a consummate professional who displays strong leadership, compassion and empathy. 

Detective of the Year 

Detective Constable Jon Stephens 

Jon Stephens

Over the previous 12 months, DC Stephens’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) investigations have produced in excess of 30 years’ worth of sentences on conviction for serious offenders. 

These high-profile cases have provided justice for victims, safeguarded the public, and boosted confidence in policing and the wider criminal justice system. 

DC Stephens’s perseverance recently secured a forced marriage protection order, safeguarding a young female who was to be sent abroad for marriage. He also recently secured a Sexual Risk Order (SRO) as part of investigation into a child sex abuser who committed digital and contact offences against many victims across the UK.  

His initiative and skill in approaching evidence capture has ensured the wider public are protected while awaiting trial. He is also currently the sole tutor within Exeter Local Safeguarding Investigation Team which includes developing future generations of skilled investigators. 

In his award nomination, DC Stephens has been described as an exceptional detective with a meticulous and common-sense approach, as well as having tenacity, compassion, and having victims at the heart of everything. 

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) of the Year 

PCSO Shirley Graham  

Shirley Graham

In 2001, PCSO Graham joined Devon & Cornwall Police and became the only permanent member of the policing team on the Isles of Scilly five years later. 

In her award nomination, Shirley was described as the ‘bedrock of policing the islands’ and being someone who takes genuine pride and pleasure in her job. 

She was recognised for her unique role, comprising not only the work of a PCSO but also the duties of Firearms Enquiry Officer, Detention Officer, ‘Station Mother’, and any  other role needed from body recovery to performing life-saving first aid on a person in cardiac arrest.   

PSCO Graham spends a considerable amount of her own time supporting the community, including being a key figure organising and delivering a programme that helps prepare children of the islands for adulthood. Her work has also directly resulted in decreases in ASB and is seen as the trusted face of local policing. She has also overseen more than 40 royal visits. 

Unsung Hero of the Year  

Paul Jacobs 

Paul Jacobs

For the past two years, Paul has been the single point of contact with the Victim ID and Child Abuse Image Database (CAID)for Devon & Cornwall Police. His role is to help identify children who are being sexually abused, and review and grading all child sexual abuse material referred to the force. 

Last year, it involved reviewing more than 750 indecent images and videos to assess. His incredibly import – yet traumatic and highly challenging role – has helped police obtain warrants more swiftly and identify child victims across the world more quickly – preventing them from further sexual abuse and safeguarding them. 

Paul also provides invaluable and has led on significant and critical organisational change, including introducing new IT processes that have resulted in Devon & Cornwall Police being named a ‘best practice’ force by the National Crime Agency. 

Trainer of the Year 

Stephanie-Sue Bangay 

Stephanie-Sue Bangay

Stephanie-Sue Bangay is a forensic trainer and highly valued member of the forensics training team, in addition to being a Crime Scene Investigator. Her knowledge and practical skills ensure that critical evidence is recovered and preserved correctly. 

She has created bespoke training for officers as well as to Plymouth City College students. In her award nomination she is described as being an exceptional advocate for Devon & Cornwall Police, a huge asset to policing and a wonderful morale booster. 

Police Staff Investigator of the Year 

Helen Pring 

Helen Pring

Helen has been a highly valued member of Devon & Cornwall police staff for more than 20 years. She has been in her current role as a CID Police Staff Investigator on CID for the past four years, and has investigated numerous complex and serious crimes.  

Currently, she has five investigations progressing through court. 

In her award nomination, she has been hailed for giving the greatest care, respect, and empathy for victims and being credit to Devon & Cornwall Police. 

Police Enquiry Officer of the Year 

Vanessa Preston 

Vanessa Preston

At Newton Abbot Police Station, Vanessa has been praised for going above and beyond to help members of the public so that they leave the station feeling they have been heard, looked after and given the best service available. 

An example is having reunited a young man with their ID who had witnessed a traumatic incident and was one of the first on scene. He gave his coat to the victim and then the coat had to be forensically examined.  

Unfortunately, his ID was in his coat which he needed to fly hours later to Scotland for a family wedding.  

Vanessa didn’t stop knocking on doors and making calls until authorisation was given for his ID to be returned, just in time. 

Another example is when £1,000 was found in a London park and handed to the relevant police station there. It belonged to a Devon student. Vanesssa didn’t stop making enquiries until she found the station where the money was and arranged for its return to the extremely grateful student. 

Vanessa’s kindness, sympathy and friendly, non-judgmental manner was acknowledged by a regular bail signee who visited the station weekly and then sent her a thank you card saying how her friendly and positive face had enabled him to cope with a stressful and difficult chapter in his life. In her award nomination, Vanessa has been described as being tireless, conscientious and dependable. 

Police Staff Lifetime Achievement 

Jo Wilson 

Jo Wilson

Police Staff Investigator Wilson works in Bodmin CID and has worked in forward facing police staff roles for more than 40 years. 

She joined Devon & Cornwall Police in the late 1980s as a Special Constable in the Camelford area and then also joined the Station Enquiry Officer team. When the role of PCSO was introduced, PSI Wilson leapt at the opportunity.  

She progressed to Level 1 investigation and then by the late 2000s, she had become an Accredited Financial Investigator gaining further qualifications.  She is now a Level 2 investigator whilst retaining her AFI skills. In her award nomination she was praised for being highly motivated and skilled, as well her daily commitment, tenacity and positivity. 

The united front that is transforming Torquay for the better 

The united front that is transforming Torquay for the better 

It doesn’t seem possible it was 12 months ago I introduced the new initiative Street Focus Torquay. A real hands on approach to dealing with persistent street crime – drug dealing, shoplifting and antisocial behaviour (ASB) – after residents and businesses told me they were fed up. 

My role as Police Crime Commissioner is to be your voice in policing and make sure the issues you are experiencing are being tackled. However, effective and sustained change can only be implemented by forming a united front with everyone working side by side from multiple agencies to members of the local community. 

The Street Focus Torquay effort was convened by my office with Devon & Cornwall Police, Torbay Council and other local partners in June 2024 after my office secured £1 million from the Home Office to fund hotspot policing in multiple locations across Devon and Cornwall, including Castle Circus in Torquay.  

Within the past 12 months in Torquay, it has resulted in more than 1,000 hours of additional hotspot foot patrols and responded to more than 80 ASB incidents were attended. Street marshals have also been making a significant impact, including having engaged with nearly 5,300 members of the public and made almost 3,000 premises visits. 

Police visibility and action is vital. I can assure that there has – and continues to be – lots of work going on behind the scenes to create further improvements.  

Recently I was able to confirm I have secured a further £1 million to continue hotspot patrols over the next 12 months, including in Torquay. Unfortunately, the town has one of the highest rates of recorded crime in Devon and Cornwall, but it’s clear that the true picture is even greater than that because not all crime is being reported. 

That’s why I have also committed to funding a 12-month subscription pilot for Torbay businesses called UK Partners Against Crime (UKPAC) Business Crime Reduction Solution. It is software that enables a business crime reduction solution. 

Issues such as shoplifting, ASB and violence can now easily be reported to police without evidence via an online portal which is hoped to lead to persistent offenders being successfully prosecuted, making the high street and other areas a safer place to live, work and visit. 

My safer streets commitment is also being delivered by further funding and expanding the successful night bus scheme which runs on Saturday nights until the end of the year in key areas within Devon and Cornwall, including Torquay. This is to ensure those enjoying night time economy can get home safely. 

During the first week of its launch this month, the area with the highest numbers of passengers – 185 – was recorded in Torquay, proving why it is such a vital service. 

Last week I hosted my fourth partners breakfast in Torquay to celebrate the success of Street Focus Torquay within the past 12 months. It was also exciting and encouraging to hear everyone’s plans for the next year. 

I would like to thank everyone who has helped us get to the point where we are now at. Everyone has gone above and beyond. We are one year on and things have got better. We still have a long way to go, but we will get there. 

We share a combined vision of wanting to help the most vulnerable and keep people safe. We have got police enforcement right, and partnership working right, but we need to look at issues such as drug treatment availability in Torquay and how we develop facilities to tackle drug and alcohol dependency and homelessness. 

I recently took a road trip with Torbay councillors to show them a homeless hostel in St Austell that has great facilities, policies and location with grounds. We still need to find a better solution for Torbay than a town centre location with limited space to help our most exploited and vulnerable homeless people. 

I have seen for myself how much the town has changed in recent years – having been a long-term Torquay resident – but from the improvements we have introduced within the past 12 months, I remain optimistic the town can once again be known as a jewel in the crown of the English Riviera.

Street Focus Torquay celebrates first year of success 

Street Focus Torquay celebrates first year of success 

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An ambitious project to transform Torquay into a safer town and a thriving community has reached a pivotal milestone this month. 

It is now 12-months since collaborative new initiative Street Focus Torquay was launched to tackle antisocial behaviour (ASB), drug abuse and violence which has been impacting upon the lives of local residents, businesses and visitors. 

The multi-agency effort convened by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) with Devon & Cornwall Police, Torbay Council, SWISCo, has achieved welcomed improvements since June 2024, particularly within Castle Circus and the wider town centre.   

Police hotspots have been a core element. In the past 12 months, Torquay hotspot patrols have achieved: 

  • 1,072 hours of hotspot patrols 
  • 88 pieces of intelligence submitted into police systems 
  • 35 Arrests  
  • 37 stop and searchers carried out 
  • 4 offensive weapons seized 
  • 81 ASB incidents attended
  • 29 instances of policing powers being used 
  • 21 safeguarding referrals made 
  • 4,200 members of the public engaged with 
  • 1,546 premises visits made 
  • 20 items of stolen property, drugs or alcohol seized 

The success of street marshal patrols was also celebrated. In the past 12 months, they have submitted 42 pieces of intelligence into partner community systems, engaged with 5,283 members of the public and made 2,931 premises visits. 

Commissioner Hernandez : “I made a pledge a year ago to breathe new life into Torquay town centre by working together with stakeholders to tackle the issues local residents and traders have had to put up with for far too long. 

“A huge part of achieving that has been the introduction of Home Office-funded hotspot policing and ASB patrols. These new high-visibility Neighbourhood Support Team officers have had a great impact on deterring crime and rebuilding community confidence. 

“It has been supported with a wide range of other initiatives including new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO); a new mobile police station; a new dedicated ASB lawyer for Devon & Cornwall Police stationed in Torquay Police Station; Crimestoppers Zone and  Neighbourhood Watch Community Safety Charter scheme. 

“I have personally been able to see the progress being made with my own eyes during three town centre walkarounds during the past 12 months.  

“Street Focus Torquay is now being used as a blueprint for other areas across the peninsula, including two new hotspots in Tiverton and Bodmin. This targeted joint approach highlights how effective it is when partners across different organisations work together – united by a collective vision to bring about long, lasting changes that benefit local communities.” 

The Commissioner giving a speech at the breakfast event
The Commissioner giving a speech at the breakfast event

Over the next 12 months, funding will continue for schemes that have already been launched alongside new ones. Business Crime Reduction Solution UK Partners Against Crime (UKPAC) is a key change to assist retailers. The Commissioner is funding a free 12-month subscription pilot for Torbay businesses to sign up to the new innovative online portal, also available as a smartphone app, that enables businesses to easily report issues such as shoplifting, ASB and violence to police. It is hoped to lead to successful prosecutions and reduce crime on the high street. 

Recently, the Commissioner has also launched the return and much-welcomed expansion of the successful night bus scheme. Buses are running again in North Devon and Torquay, plus on seven new routes in Plymouth and Exeter on Saturday nights until the end of the year. 

At the breakfast event, Devon & Cornwall Police Superintendent Hayley Costar – who heads up several Neighbourhood Policing Teams in south Devon – gave an update on the government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee which has made £200m available to police forces nationally in 2025/2026 to support the increase of neighbourhood officers in years to come. 

She said: “Street Focus has given us a real opportunity to work with partners for a holistic, long-lasting solution to ensure Torquay is a thriving town. 

“Through engagement and high visibility hotspot policing methods we have reduced anti-social behaviour by 25 per cent since Street Focus work began, protecting local communities and businesses thanks to investment from the OPCC and the commitment of our partners. 

“We would like to thank the community for their engagement with our surveys and would continue to encourage people to sign-up to Devon and Cornwall Alert to receive regular updates from us via text or email. The two-way system also allows followers to share crime information with us.” 

Key speakers at the Street Focus Torquay 1st anniversary event
Key speakers at the Street Focus Torquay 1st anniversary event

Torbay Council reported during the event how its contribution to Street Focus Torquay has included enforcing new town centre public spaces protection orders which gives the council and police extra powers to move people on and confiscate alcohol. 

It has also carried out additional street cleaning, removed a bench near Factory Row and organised harbour railing painting in conjunction with Community Payback and the OPCC.   

It has also applied for its Town Centre Officers to be part of the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS), a status conferred by the Chief Constable, which gives those involved in a community safety or traffic management roles a range of powers, such as the authority to issue fixed penalty notices for certain offences.  

During the next 12 months its future pledges include having six full-time town centre officers, creating an ASB action plan, reintroducing taxi marshals, and hosting a public consultation on The Strand and Debenhams site. 

Councillor David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council, said: “The last year has seen some positive partnership working between, and within, organisations to stamp out the anti-social behaviour that can blight the lives of those experiencing it. 

“It’s now been a year since the alcohol and dispersal Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) were introduced in Torquay along with alcohol PSPOs in Paignton and Brixham. 

“Since then, there have been more than 300 instances where town centre officers or police have approached individuals about their drinking and more than 30 occasions where officers have issued notices to individuals under the dispersal PSPO. 

“Our ASB teams are also following up with enforcement where necessary and our CCTV and security teams are monitoring footage to help identify and apprehend offenders. 

“All residents, workers and visitors should feel safer and more welcome in our town centres and it’s encouraging that so much work is going on to make that happen.” 

For more details about Street Focus Torquay, please visit www.street-focus.co.uk 

Plymouth Youth Awards finalists announced

Plymouth Youth Awards finalists announced

An incredible short list of finalists has been announced for this year’s Plymouth Youth Awards which are supported by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).   

The annual awards celebrate children and young adults under the age of 21 throughout the city for their outstanding achievements, inspiring feats against adversity and tireless dedication to creating change. 

For the second year in a row, Commissioner Alison Hernandez is sponsoring the Inspirational Person of the Year Award. The three finalists in the category have now been selected and the winner be announced at an awards ceremony in Plymouth on Saturday, June 14. 

The young inspirational person award finalists are: 

Alexandra Maria Radu  

The remarkable 16-year-old student at City College Plymouth is a founder of AMR Street Dance. After moving from Romania, she faced pressure to follow a conventional path but bravely chose to pursue her passion for dance, inspiring and uplifting others.

Through AMR Street Dance, ‘Maria’ as she is known, created a sanctuary where young people aged 5 to 15 find confidence, belonging, and hope. In a world where many feel isolated, her classes offer a lifeline—a space where children are seen, heard, and empowered to express themselves.

Despite a busy college life and training under the popular Toby Gorniak MBE, she devotes herself to her students with empathy and determination. Her studio helps young people escape negativity and find joy, discipline, and friendship through dance.

Maria’s journey shows how passion with purpose can change lives. She shapes confident, resilient young people who believe in themselves. Her vision, courage, and generosity make her an inspiring role model and a true force for good.  

Scarlett Swaddle 

Scarlett Swaddle stood in a colourful garden

Scarlet is an extraordinary 16-year-old young leader who has spent six years amplifying the voices of young people, especially those often unheard. Her commitment to lasting change in Plymouth and beyond is inspiring. 

As part of the SEND Improvement Board, she created a video highlighting students’ experiences and coined the slogan “Equal, Kind and Safe,” leading to new inclusive school policies. Nationally, she was the first from the South West selected for the Barnardo’s and Co-op Youth Advisory Group, advising on youth services across 20 UK sites. 

In her community, Scarlet founded Takeaway Tuesday, a cooking group helping disadvantaged youth learn life skills and reduce food waste, with a sister project at All Saints Academy. She supports Plymouth City Council’s Participation Team, contributing to Young Safeguarders, Youth Parliament—where she campaigns on mental health, cost of living, tackling violence against women—and Young Recruiters. 

Her influence reaches internationally; she presented on AI ethics in youth services at a Paris conference and authored the Recipe for Success report on food insecurity, submitted to Parliament. She helped create a Youth Manifesto reflecting youth needs. 

Despite her achievements, Scarlet remains humble and team focused. Her passion, resilience, and vision make her a true role model and champion for those without a voice. 

Crawford Kerr  

Crawford Kerr stood aboard a boat

The 17-year-old has been nominated for her unwavering dedication to public service, leadership, and compassion.

As a Police Cadet Leader, Crawford mentors younger cadets with empathy and professionalism, embodying respect, courage, and discipline. He excels academically in Level 3 Public Services at City College Plymouth, demonstrating remarkable maturity and resilience beyond his years.

Crawford volunteers with the Island Trust, supporting young people with additional needs in life-changing sailing experiences despite not being able to swim himself. He also helps organise Kidney Research UK fundraising events and regularly participates in local Clean Our Patch litter picks, showing his strong commitment to community improvement.

The Commissioner, when selecting the finalists, was particular touched that at home, Crawford is an unpaid young carer for his father, a kidney transplant patient, and his sister, who lives with Functional Neurological Disorder. Despite these significant personal responsibilities, he remains steadfast in his studies, volunteering, and leadership roles.

Crawford leads with quiet strength, kindness, and selflessness, inspiring everyone around him. His resilience, compassion, and dedication make him a true role model.

Plymouth Youth Awards logo

Commissioner Hernandez said: “I am proud to support these awards that recognise outstanding contributions to community safety, leadership, and resilience. These inspirational young people are all to be commended for the positive differences they are making within their local communities at such a young age. 

“I am directly involved with Plymouth Youth Awards by participating in the judging process and am looking forward to celebrating with the winners and presenting my sponsored award of Inspirational Person of the Year.”

Plymouth Youth Awards is sponsored by Plymouth City Council in association with YMCA Plymouth and Discovery College. There are 13 categories from the Unsung Hero Award to Young Environmentalist, as well as awards that recognise individuals for inclusivity, sports and arts and culture. 

For a full list of winners, please visit Incredible Plymouth youngsters praised as full shortlist for YMCA Youth Awards announced – Plymouth Live

New Camborne Public Enquiry Office opens to public

New Camborne Public Enquiry Office opens to public

Camborne Police Station, which was built in the 1960s, has opened its doors a newly refurbished public enquiry office (PEO), replacing the old PEO.
On Friday 23 May, the doors officially opened to the new PEO which is now located at the centre of the station, making it easily accessible to the public.
Superintendent Ian Thompson, who heads up policing teams across West Cornwall, said: “The refurbishment has made such a difference, creating a welcoming space for members of the public.
“When people visit a police station, it’s often because they need advice, they have been a victim of crime or would like to report something to us. We’re aware that this can sometimes cause people worry or anxiety, so our hope is that by creating a modern space which offers a calming environment for anyone who visits, it can help to make their experience as comfortable as it can be.”
Police Inspector Lou Brown, who heads up neighbourhood teams in Camborne said: “We’ve received positive feedback from members of the public who have visited already. It’s been great to hear how it’s already having an impact.
“We’re very pleased to open the new and improved space. The PEO has been at the heart of our communities for many years so it’s a great for local people.”
Police enquiry offices (PEOs) allow members of the public to have access to walk-in services where they can speak to trained staff who can help with crime reporting, crime prevention advice and help with accessing victim services.
Camborne Public Enquiry office has remained open throughout the development of the new office. The new PEO remains at the police station, located on South Terrace, TR14 8SY. It is open to members of the public Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm.
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “I’m delighted that Camborne PEO has now opened. This multi-million pound investment has created a much improved place of safety for the public to access help and advice – as well as an alternative method of contact to phone and email.
“Connecting communities to the police force which serves them has been the underlying principle of my Police and Crime Plans, and the opening of dozens of police enquiry offices is one example of how I have delivered on that principle.
“Working with local partners on this project has been one of the highlights of my career, and it has been hugely grateful to see the impact this investment has made in our communities, whose contribution via taxation has made it all possible.”
A full list of PEO opening times across Devon and Cornwall is available here: A list of Police Enquiry Offices (PEOs) | Devon & Cornwall Police.

Independent Custody Visitors to be celebrated during Volunteers’ Week 

Independent Custody Visitors to be celebrated during Volunteers’ Week 

The remarkable difference volunteers make within our communities is rightly being celebrated and acknowledged this week as part of national Volunteers’ Week running from June 2 to 8. 

The main area that people can volunteer with my office is as an Independent Custody Visitor (ICV). These incredible volunteers are members of the local community who are completely independent of the police and selflessly give up some of their spare time to check on the treatment of people detained in custody, the conditions in which they are being held and ensure that their rights and entitlements are being observed. 

The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act placed a statutory obligation on all Police Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in England and Wales to have in place an effective ICV scheme in their police force area. 

The reason for this is that for many people, arriving in a custody suite can be a daunting and frightening experience and they may not be aware of their rights or entitlements. The scheme offers protection and confidentiality to detainees and provides reassurance to me that the custody environment is working well or an ability to flag vital issues not being addressed promptly. 

In Devon and Cornwall, we are fortunate to currently have 17 ICVs who are recruited by my office. Of those, 10 are women and seven are men – with both representing a range of different ages and backgrounds. 

They visit police stations across Devon and Cornwall in a pair, unannounced, and then submit a report of their findings to my office and the local custody inspector. This is essential for me to be able to carry out my commissioner’s duty of scrutinising Devon & Cornwall Police’s custody management.  

Should any areas of concern be highlighted by the ICVs, it is my duty to call for immediate action to be taken and ensure it is carried out through continued rigorous monitoring. 

In the last financial year from April 2024 to March 2025, there were 25,055 detentions in Devon and Cornwall. During that time, 135 visits were carried out by ICVs at custody centres throughout Devon and Cornwall, including Exeter, Torquay, Plymouth, Barnstaple, Newquay and Camborne. 

Encouragingly, reports for the majority of those visits were consistently positive. However, issues included concerns over maintenance of the custody environment and this has resulted in further investment; access to exercise facilities or washing facilities not always being available when custody suites are busy; a broken CCTV in one of the custody suites which has since been fixed, and on occasions police staff shortages meaning ICVs could not carry out inspections due to a member of the police not being available to escort them around.  These visits were rescheduled. 

No significant issues have been raised following ICV visits so far this year. 

When ICVs arrive at a custody  suite, they are escorted to the custody centre by a Custody Sergeant. They independently decide which detainees to visit, prioritising anyone who is vulnerable, women and children. 

Strict rules of confidentiality mean that ICVs are not told detainees’ names or why they are in custody, and detainees have to give their consent to be visited. 

The checks ICVs carry out are to ensure people in custody are being treated properly such as that the cell is clean, they have access to food that caters for different diets, water, distraction items and to make sure they have been offered a solicitor. 

ICVs can also inspect custody records with the detainee’s consent, which are a record of everything that happens while a detainee is in custody.  ICVs can use this information to corroborate any statements made by the detainee and to ensure that the detainee’s rights and entitlements are being followed. 

Immediate areas of concern can be raised with the Custody Sergeant or the Custody Inspector if the matter cannot be resolved immediately or is of a serious nature that requires ongoing attention. 

Visits typically last between 30 minutes and two hours and are carried out during the morning, day or night. 

The criteria for being an ICV is that they must be 18 years old or over, independent of the police service, live or work in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and have been resident in the UK for the three years prior to application.   

No specific experience or qualifications are required and ICVs are taught the role during a probationary period that lasts around six months. Further mandatory training is provided via online courses and meetings. 

The time commitment required once trained is around one to two visits a month. 

I would like to express my sincere appreciation not just to our ICVs but all those across the country, and to every volunteer within different organisations whose contributions are indescribably valued within our communities. Life is a richer place thanks to the gift of time they give to people from all walks of life. 

For more details about becoming an ICV, please click here. 

 

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