A retired headteacher is now spending his time checking the welfare of detainees and conditions of police custody. Mark Richardson is one of a dozen Independent Custody Visitors who on behalf of the Office of the Police and Crime Commisioner make random and unannounced visits to police custody.
Mark took up the unpaid role after seeing an article in the Nottingham Post in 2020, where two volunteers spoke about the joy of offering their time for public service. Now as a volunteer himself, Mark helps to provide an impartial view of the welfare of detainees, checking that their rights and entitlements have been offered, as well as reporting on the condition of the custody environment.
Through ensuring better custody conditions and welfare, it can encourage detainees to be more cooperative with officers whilst in custody. Speaking about his decision to volunteer, Mark explained: "The news article stirred something in me.
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"At the time I was recently retired and had time on my hands and I haven’t looked back since. I really enjoy it. From a personal point of view I feel like I’m giving back. I had some time and I wanted to give it to a worthwhile cause."
He continued: "I think it’s such a critical role. It’s like quality control – making sure these very vulnerable people in custody are having their welfare needs met to the highest standards.
"We turn up at the custody suite totally unannounced so nobody knows we are coming and we look at it from the detainees’ point of view.” This role is carried out by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, which is responsible for Nottinghamshire Police's estates, including custody suites and the welfare of those detained.
This includes the state-of-the-art new facility in Radford and the recently refurbished custody suite in Mansfield. Mark continued: “In Nottinghamshire we are so lucky that we have this new custody suite in Radford, and the Mansfield site has recently been refurbished, so as a county we must be up there in terms of the best provision for detainees.
“Often these people are in a very anxious, frightened state, particularly those younger detainees. I just think it is good that they can have that opportunity to share their views.”
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry recently held a celebration event to thank all of the volunteers who support her Office’s work, including Independent Custody Visitors and Animal Welfare Scheme volunteers. The team were presented with cards and enjoyed a buffet whilst Commissioner Henry praised their much-appreciated efforts at the event, which took place on Wednesday, June 7.
Commissioner Henry said: “Our amazing volunteers perform really vital roles that support my Office’s duty to ensure top standards are maintained in Nottinghamshire Police’s custody facilities and dog section. These people are from a wide range of backgrounds but they all share a common goal to give back to their community and give up their time for free to do these public service roles.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their continued support and would urge anyone who is interested in volunteering to get in touch.”
Another Independent Custody Visitor who attended the celebration event was Sonia Hulcome, who fits her volunteering around her job as an admin officer for the Probation Service. The mother-of-two said the role allowed her the flexibility to volunteer around her work and family life, while also getting the chance to make a difference.
She explained: "When I first started working for Probation it was more face-to-face but after working my way up I’m doing more admin work. But I’m more on the front line with the volunteering work which I really like.”
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner is also responsible for ensuring welfare for the hard-working canines in Nottinghamshire Police’s dog section and offers volunteer opportunities for this role too. Animal Welfare volunteers make random, unannounced visits to Nottinghamshire Police dog kennels at Nottinghamshire Police’s Joint Headquarters at Sherwood Lodge in Arnold, and they may also visit dog training sessions and check Nottinghamshire Police vehicles.
Animal Welfare volunteers are asked to provide an impartial view of the health and wellbeing of police dogs and are also able to report on the accommodation that the dogs use. You can find out more information on volunteering and opportunities to get involved here.
