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Volunteers sought to scrutinise police custody

Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen staring into the camera with her hands resting on a surface in front of her. She's got shoulder-length blonde hair and is wearing bright red lipstick. She's wearing a dark jacket that some people would say is blue and others green, with a matching skirt. She's standing in what looks like a police station. There are computers behind.Durham Police and Crime Commissioner
Joy Allen said the volunteers would drive further improvements

Volunteers are being sought to help provide oversight of police custody processes and the welfare of people being detained.

The independent custody visitors will hold Durham Constabulary and the Chief Constable to account and help increase trust and confidence in policing services, Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen said.

During unannounced visits to the new Durham Investigative Hub, near Spennymoor, the volunteers will check detentions standards across custody suits and ensure detainees are receiving the appropriate care.

Allen said the volunteers would "play a critical role in driving further improvements".

Issues identified will be raised with the custody sergeant and included in a report which is sent to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

"Our new cohort of volunteers will play a critical role in driving further improvements in our processes and procedures to ensure Durham not only delivers the very best quality of care to detainees but is held aloft as a beacon of good practice nationally," Allen said.

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