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.
