NUMBERS of independent custody visitors in Thames Valley have increased by 50 per cent following a successful recruitment campaign.

More than 30 new visitors have been appointed by Thames Valley Police Authority, bringing the total number of volunteers in the region to 103.

Aged between 18 and 80-plus, the 33 new recruits hail from a variety of countries and backgrounds and include French, Polish, Portuguese and Swahili speakers.

Already, some have been trained and have started making visits to cells across the Thames Valley. Others will complete their training in the New Year. Once trained, they carry out a crucial role in the justice system.

Acting independently from the police, they will make unannounced visits to police stations at any time of day and at any time of year to check on the welfare of people detained in police cells.

Sue Gardner organises the custody visiting for Thames Valley Police Authority. She said: "Our visitors are just ordinary members of the public who act as the eyes and ears of the public behind the closed doors of the police cells.

"Once there, they will speak to anyone in the cells who is willing to talk to them. They check the detainees understand their rights, that they have been offered appropriate food and drink and that they are warm enough."

"The job is very rewarding, and most detainees are happy to talk once they realise the visitors are not associated with the police.

"But over time, as a result of retirements and relocations, we ended up with a shortage of volunteers, which was putting a strain on the visitors that remained. I am delighted to say we have managed to reverse that decline and will be able to increase the number of visits to detainees in Thames Valley."

Thames Valley Police Authority is not actively recruiting volunteers at present, but anyone interested in becoming a custody visitor can still apply, and their details will be kept on a reserve list ready for the next recruitment process in the latter half of 2008.

Independent custody visitors must be at least 18 years of age and must not be employed as part of the criminal justice system.

Anyone interested in becoming a custody visitor should contact Sue Gardner on 01865 846781, or email her on sue.gardner@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk.

Alternatively, log on to www.tvpa.police.uk/independent-custody-visiting.htm, where an application form can be downloaded.