Merseyside PCC joins national celebration in recognition of Volunteers’ Week
01.06.23 - Merseyside
Today marks the beginning of Volunteers Week (1-7June), a national celebration playing tribute to the many community-spirited individuals across the country who contribute their time and efforts through volunteering.
This week, Merseyside’s Police Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, is celebrating the outstanding voluntary work and commitment of those that support the work of her office as well as Merseyside Police, helping to build stronger, safer communities across the region.
Among those volunteers, are the PCC’s Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) who perform a vital public duty, ensuring police custody is transparent and making sure those that are being detained are being treated fairly.
ICVs are members of the public who give up their own time to make unannounced visits to police custody suites. They independently deliver checks on detainees to see if they have been treated fairly, with dignity and are held in conditions that are safe.
Last year, our ICVs made 149 unannounced visits to police custody suites across Merseyside checking on the welfare of 574 detainees.
During the past year, Emily has also relaunched the Animal Welfare scheme which sees dedicated volunteers also make unannounced visits to Merseyside’s Mounted and Kennel sections, to check on the conditions of the dogs and horses that are engaged in police work and ensuring they are being cared for appropriately.
Since the scheme relaunched last July, 24 visits have taken place, conducting 172 welfare checks on the dogs, and 142 checks on the horses.
Emily, who is also the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ National Lead for Custody said: “Independent Custody Visitors and Animal Welfare Visitors are a priceless asset to Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs), effectively serving as the communities' eyes and ears in police care.
“Their observations are key to helping the police improve and serve to strengthen public trust in policing by making sure officers and staff are doing everything they should be.
“These compassionate, community-oriented people, believe in upholding the very highest of standards and I thank them for everything they do and their tireless commitment to the role. Not only are they performing vital work in the world of policing, but they’re also supporting vulnerable people and their communities.”
Volunteers also make a huge contribution to Merseyside Police, with 130 Special Constables, 49 Cadets, 60 police support volunteers and 328 Mini Police from schools across Merseyside all supporting the work of the police.
Emily Spurrell added: “We are so fortunate to have such an overwhelming number of volunteers who want to help make our communities a stronger, safer place to live.
“These volunteers really do make such a difference and demonstrate that our region’s community spirit is stronger than ever.”
Throughout the week, the PCC will be celebrating the work of some of these incredible volunteers through her social media channels at www.twitter.com/MerseysidePCC and www.facebook.com/MerseysidePoliceandCrimeCommissioner.
The Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Jeanie Bell is also attending an award ceremony on behalf of the PCC later today, to present awards and celebrate the fantastic volunteers in recognition of their exceptional commitment to public service.