1. The PCC will be responsible for commissioning victim services from October 2014 We dont know the scope, specification or funding levels of national services yet Funding will be confirmed for 18 months – Oct 14 to March 16 We want to hear about services already out there for victims, what is good, gaps, risks and future issues The MoJ has indicated pans for VCS capacity building as part of this work Lorna Muffett

2. Who are Independent Custody Volunteers? There is a team of custody visitors for each main custody unit Volunteers range from 18 to 80+ Custody visitors are trained, vetted and supported Custody visitors come from all walks of life and backgrounds Claim their out of pocket expenses such as travel but are not paid Serve for a maximum of nine years

3. What do Independent Custody Volunteers do? There is a team of custody visitors for each main custody unit Between them they visit the custody unit once a week Visits are carried out by two volunteers working together The visits times and dates are not known to the police The visitors look, listen and report on the conditions in the custody unit The visitors talk to detainees in their cells to find out if they have been offered everything to which they are entitled Visitors keep a look out for anyone in custody who seems particularly vulnerable

4. Why have Independent Custody Volunteers? Police and Crime Commissioners have a statutory duty We want to help residents understand how people in custody are treated Volunteers complete a short report on every visit so we can help look for trends or concerns Detainees may have concerns that custody visitors can raise with staff. The most common questions are to do with healthcare and refreshments Custody Visitors do not represent the police or detainees so they can provide an independent point of view

5. Independent Residents Panel A group of volunteers recruited to review how police complaints are handled We wanted to select of group of people who represented a broad range of perspectives from Avon and Somerset Includes experience of managing complaints in other industries but we also wanted a residents perspective The volunteers are vetted, trained and supported and will only be reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses The group will meet quarterly to review a random selection of complaints to highlight good practice and feedback what could have been handled better

6. Other ways to get involved Volunteering is only one way to take part Talk to Sue and the team when we are out and about Share your views with Sue by e-mail, letter complete a questionnaire Invite Sue to an event Come to an open meeting like this one Encourage others to find out about volunteering or get in touch