Volunteer roles with the PFCC this week highlighted at community events
Students at the University of Essex were this week taken through volunteering opportunities with the PFCC Essex.
Richard Wicks of the PFCC was on hand during Fresher’s Week to talk students through volunteering opportunities at the PFCC including the Independent Custody Visitors scheme, volunteering with the Essex Restorative and Mediation service and the Dog Welfare Scheme. Richard regularly visits community events throughout Essex to talk people through volunteering opportunities at the PFCC.
Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) attend police custody suites to check on the treatment and welfare of detainees, the conditions in which they are held and that their rights and entitlements are being observed. By being open and transparent, the scheme is instrumental in offering protection to detainees and the police, and in providing reassurance to the wider community.
Additionally, the scheme can also help drive through changes in PACE legislation to better uphold and protect the dignity of detainees, including children, women and the vulnerable members of society.
The Essex Restorative and Mediation Service (ERMS) supports victims, offenders and people involved in community conflict through restorative justice and mediation the service is expanding and is recruiting new volunteers. Volunteers support cases including neighbourhood disputes, anti-social behaviour and, with additional training, more serious offences.
Dog welfare volunteers observe and report on the conditions under which Essex Police dogs are trained, transported, deployed and cared for.
The primary function of the scheme is to protect police dogs. In so doing it provides Essex Police with an independent monitoring body that will advise and make recommendations about the care of animals. The visitors will also provide reassurance to the community.
If you would like to learn more about volunteering opportunities at the PFCC Essex, visit the website page here: Get Involved - Essex PFCC