An appeal has been issued for people to come forward to act as volunteer custody visitors at the Police Investigation Centre, in Bury St Edmunds.

It has come from Tim Passmore, Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner, who relies on an army of peoople to help him monitor the welfare of those who are detained in police stations in the county.

They will be required to look, listen and report on their findings to the PCC to ensure that the police are providing the service that is expected of them.

He said: “I need the overall panel of visitors to be representative of the local community, so I would really encourage interest from younger people and black and minority ethnic residents.”

Visitors carry out approximately one visit per month (as part of a panel carrying out the weekly visits), and there are quarterly panel meetings which are held in the evening and then one to two training days/conference per year.

The role is voluntary expenses are paid for travel costs.

Applicants must be over 18 years of age and appointments are subject to police vetting checks and references.

Application details are on the PCC’s website: http://www.suffolk-pcc.gov.uk/involving-you/custody-visitors or via e-mail spcc@suffolk.pnn.police.uk or telephone: 01473 782774.