Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioner sees the difference local custody volunteers make

My recent community engagement day in Newtown was an opportunity to hear about local priorities and see the support available to young people and spend time with Independent Custody Visitors, who safeguard people in police custody.

During the visit I met with a local councillor to discuss issues affecting the communities before visiting The Game Change Project near Newtown.

Through outdoor learning, practical activities, mentoring and vocational training, the project helps young people across Powys build confidence, develop skills and explore opportunities for their future.

It was valuable to learn more about this work and its contribution to the community.

I then joined our Independent Custody Visitors at Newtown Custody Suite, shadowing their work and seeing their role first hand.

Independent Custody Visitors, or ICVs, are volunteers from our communities who provide an independent check on the welfare of people of people detained by police and the conditions in which they are held.

They visit custody suites in pairs, unannounced, at different times of the day and night, checking on detainees’ wellbeing and whether their rights are being upheld. After each visit, they record their findings and raise any concerns, helping identify where improvements may be needed.

Their work brings transparency to custody processes and provides a valuable community perspective on what happens behind custody doors.

I am grateful to all our volunteers for giving their time to this important role. Joining them in Newtown was a fantastic opportunity to see their contribution and highlight the value of independent scrutiny.

We are recruiting more Independent Custody Visitors, and I would encourage anyone who lives, works or studies in the Dyfed-Powys area to find out more.

If you want to contribute to your community and help protect the welfare and rights of people in custody, this could be a rewarding opportunity. My thanks to everyone who met with me during the day.

To learn more about the role, eligibility and how to apply please visit the Independent Custody Visitors webpage at: https://www.dyfedpowys-pcc.org.uk/en/accountability-and-scrutiny/volunteers/independent-custody-visitors/

Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn