Surrey Police Authority is an independent body made up of local people. Its job is to make sure that you have an efficient and effective local police force that meets the needs of the community, by consulting with the public, setting the budget and strategic direction for the force and holding the Chief Constable to account on behalf of local people.

If you would like to play a part in the work of Surrey Police Authority, the following vacancies are currently available:

Independent Custody Visitor Vacancies - Woking and Guildford

We are looking to recruit new volunteers to participate in our Independent Custody Visitor Schemes in the Woking and Guildford areas.

Independent Custody Visitors are members of the public recruited by the Police Authority to visit police stations at random to check on the treatment of people held in custody by the police.

As an Independent Custody Visitor you would have a vital role in ensuring the welfare of persons in police custody in Surrey. You will be assigned to a panel and, together with another Independent Custody Visitor, be asked to visit police stations in that panel area unannounced to check on the treatment of people being held in custody. The role is voluntary (unpaid), although travelling expenses are paid. A police check will be conducted on all applicants

Who can apply?
- You must be over 18 and live or work in Surrey
- Own transport is needed (travel expenses will be paid)
- No previous experience required
- You will need to be observant, impartial, able to record detail, and talk to people without judging
- Where there could be a conflict of interest (e.g. if you are also a magistrate) you will not be considered suitable

Time commitment
- An average of 3 to 5 hours a month
- Appointments last for 3 years
- Custody visitors are re-appraised and appointments extended every 3-years

Training & support
- Full training is provided including classroom training sessions and training visits to custody
- On-going training is provided
- Custody visitors meet up in panels every 2 or 3 months to discuss visits
- Annual events and conferences are available

Interested?
You can apply to Surrey Police Authority by:
Writing to: The Independent Custody Scheme Manager,
Surrey Police Authority,
PO Box 412, Guildford,
Surrey, GU3 1BR

Alternatively, you can contact us on 01483 630 200 or SPA@surrey.police.uk

The closing date for applications is Friday 1st August 2008