VOLUNTEERS are being sought to check custody facilities and the welfare of prisoners at police stations in north Worcestershire.

The invitation, to people in and around Bromsgrove and Redditch, is part of a West Mercia Police initiative to involve the public more in independent monitoring and, ultimately, in maintaining high standards.

The Independent Custody Visitors' Scheme (ICVS) gives the public the chance to observe, comment and report on conditions under which people are held in police stations.

It also looks at the practical operation of statutory and other rules governing detainee welfare. The authority monitors visitors' reports and takes up areas of concern with West Mercia Constabulary.

The visitors are all volunteers and, subject to certain restrictions, any person over the age of 18 can apply through the director of the Police Authority to become a custody visitor in North Worcestershire.

A total of 306 visits were undertaken during 2003-2004, the same as the previous year. There were 1,113 people in custody at the time of the visits of which 990 were held by the police under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.

No major problems emerged and where issues were raised they were either swiftly rectified, dealt with in correspondence or discussed at panel meetings.

Specific issues raised included the unavailability of duty solicitors

Tony Atkinson, coordinator for the scheme in Bromsgrove, Redditch and Kidderminster, said: "We currently have a team of fifteen volunteers who visit the custody blocks at Redditch and Kidderminster police stations roughly once a week. Their visits are random and unannounced and at any time of the day or night. Visitors must also be given access to the custody area without any delay."

Training will be given. Applications from people over 18 but especially in the 20 to 40 age bracket and those from ethnic minorities are welcome.

Applicants should contact Ian Payne, scheme administrator at West Mercia Police Authority on 01743 344314.