Wanted: Volunteers to visit police cells

MORE than 8,000 people are kept in Dyfed-Powys police cells every year – now you can look after their wellbeing.

Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon wants new volunteers to check on the standards of custody facilities.

By law, detainees have rights such as accessing legal and medical help. There’s Government guidance on matters such as cell cleanliness and safety.

Mr Salmon said: “Custody is a risky place – the boundary between liberty and freedom. I’m looking for people who can help ensure the safety of prisoners, which is a fundamental mark of our civilised society.

“I now seek new volunteers across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys.”

There are 19 Dyfed-Powys custody visitors who regularly visit police cells unannounced.

Last year they made 160 visits, seeing 188 detainees. Local figures: Llanelli – 48 visits, 83 detainees; Aberystwyth – 38, 38; Haverfordwest – 35, 52; Brecon/ Newtown – 39, 15.

They raise issues with police inspectors who then consider improvements. The Commissioner is briefed regularly.

Mr Salmon said: “The efforts of Independent Custody Visitors mean the public can trust the high standards of our police. The police can be confident they are at the top of their game.”

Other volunteer schemes run by the Commissioner include the Residents’ Panel which advises the police on how to communicate with the public, and the Animal Welfare Scheme which provides a check on the welfare of police dogs.