Volunteers' Week

Date published: 02 June 2010

Who makes sure Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) dogs and horses are being well cared for by those with responsibility for them?

Who looks out for the interests of local young and vulnerable people who have been arrested when their parents or carers can't be contacted?

Who makes sure custody facilities in police divisions throughout Greater Manchester Police are properly managed and run?

The answer to all of these questions is you, everyday members of the public.

It's true. Greater Manchester Police Authority has a team of more than 100 members of the public who are signed up as volunteers.

They are involved in the Authority's volunteer schemes, of which there are currently three, and during Volunteers' Week (June 1-7), the schemes will be providing the same valuable services they provide all year round.

GMPA chairman Cllr Paul Murphy said: "I think a lot of people will be surprised to learn that we have a team of volunteers helping the Police Authority deliver an efficient and effective police service.

"Volunteers' Week provides a perfect opportunity to highlight the work of those volunteers and encourage other local people to get involved too."

GMPA's current main schemes are Animal Welfare Visiting, Appropriate Adult and Independent Custody Visiting.

As a nation of animal lovers, the Animal Welfare Visiting scheme has never been short of volunteers to get involved since its launch in 2009.

The scheme does exactly what is says on the tin - volunteers visit police horses and dogs when they are at work, in training or at rest to observe the way they are being handled and treated.

The volunteers then complete a report which is shared with the relevant supervisors within the Force so any issues which may have been spotted can be addressed.

Custody Visitors make unannounced, random visits to custody suites all across GMP to check on the welfare of detainees and the conditions they are being held in. This involves speaking to people who have been arrested and observing police staff and officers at work.

The visitors report back details of their visit to the Police Authority and the information is used to help identify any issues of concern. Similarly, areas of good practice are also flagged up so they can be shared around the Force area.

Appropriate Adults are called upon when a young person or vulnerable adult has been arrested and they don't have a parent, guardian or Social Services representative to accompany them. Appropriate Adults attend the custody facility and make sure the detainee understands what is happening to them. They do not provide legal advice.

The attendance of an Appropriate Adult is often vital to the smooth running of the custody process as it helps police officers and staff members save valuable time which could be lost whilst trying to track down a parent or guardian. In addition, young and vulnerable people are much more likely to have a positive custody experience if they are well supported throughout.

All GMPA volunteers are fully trained before they can carry out their duties. In addition they must undergo vetting and Criminal Records Bureau checks.

The volunteers work on rota systems. For Appropriate Adults, there are rotas running 24 hours a day, seven days a week and there is always someone available to respond to a call for help from a custody suite.

The custody and animal welfare visitors also commit their time using rota systems however their visits are pre-planned.

Recruitment for Appropriate Adults and Independent Custody Visitors is ongoing at all times. Animal Welfare Visitors are only recruited when needed and the membership is currently full.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a GMPA volunteer visit www.gmpa.gov.uk and access the Getting Involved section. Alternatively call 0161 793 2920.