OPCC ANNUAL REPORT
The inside of a police cell is surely the last place most people would want to find themselves – unless they happen to be an Independent Custody Visitor. Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) have an important part to play in the justice system in checking the rights, health, wellbeing and treatment of those who are detained by the police. ICVs make unannounced visits to check on the rights, entitlements, well-being and dignity of detainees held in police custody. After each visit, they file a written report with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner on how the police are running custody and whether or not they need to make changes or be praised for best practice. It is then up to the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) to hold the Chief Constable to account. Volunteers who fulfil the role in Gloucestershire were officially awarded the gold standard at the inaugural Independent Custody Visiting Association Quality Assurance awards. Manager Amanda Segelov, who collected the award at a ceremony at the House of Lords, said: “We currently have 16 ICVs from the local community who come from a variety of backgrounds, ages and sectors. They are completely impartial and carry out unannounced visits at least once a fortnight. “This award is richly deserved recognition for all their hard work and dedication in making sure people who find themselves in custody for whatever reason are kept safe and properly looked after” l It’s official: local custody volunteers are top quality
Bearland was home to Gloucester Police for half a century and, after a brief spell away for refurbishment, the official opening of the new police reception took place in November. Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Martin Surl surrendered the Constabulary’s 230 year lease on the Bearland building to Gloucestershire County Council in 2015, in exchange for £400,000 and a fresh agreement for rent-free accommodation on the ground floor following modernisation. A number of city based officers and PCSOs operate from Bearland to help police Gloucester Quays, the city centre and the night-time economy. The police reception desk at Bearland is open to the public Monday to Saturday from 0800-2000hrs. Officers and PCSOs are also based at Barton Street and will still be able to assist members of the public, should they go to the station to ask for urgent help. Prior to the first PCC elections in 2012, many valued police stations were either closed or about to be closed. The police and crime plan stopped scheduled closures at Bearland, Barton Street, Cheltenham, Coleford, Hucclecote and Quedgeley, which have all been refurbished l Police return to Bearland after three year absence
68 | September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
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