A new campaign has been launched to encourage people to volunteer to find out what goes on behind the scenes of police custody.

‘Could I Be an ICV?’ was introduced by police and crime commissioner John Campion to spotlight the volunteer opportunity that lies behind the scenes of police custody.

The campaign gives volunteers a platform to share their stories about why they took on the role of Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) and the skills they've gained.

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ICVs under the PCC play an important role in the justice system, ensuring that the rights of people in police custody are upheld.

In West Mercia the programme received silver-level accreditation in 2023, signifying a quality standard of custody visiting and volunteer management.

The PCC is planning to launch a mobile app that will enable volunteers to log visits and communicate concerns to West Mercia Police more efficiently.

Mr Campion said: "I am really proud of the vitally important ICV scheme in West Mercia.

"With four panels across the three counties, each team is full of community-minded people who want to make a real difference."

He adds: "I am committed to ensuring the scheme continues to go from strength-to-strength, and in line with my Safer West Mercia Plan provides reassurance around how people are being detained."