Watchdog runs rule over cells

SPOT checks have been carried out at police cells in Oldham to look ensure the welfare of detainees.

The unannounced checks were made by volunteer Independent Custody Visitors simultaneously across the North-West to mark Inside Justice Week.

The visits were co-ordinated by police authorities, which run Independent Custody Visitor schemes, in the five regions including Greater Manchester.

The Greater Manchester Police Authority’s independent member, Mrs Christine McGawley, a magistrate who lives in Bolton, said: “While these visits were made as part of Inside Justice Week, custody visitors make their visits all year round at any time of the day or night.

“They are an important safeguard for detainees, providing an independent audit of how people are treated in police custody.

“Visits play an important part in providing public reassurance and boosting confidence in the police service.”

Visitors check on the welfare of detainees, the working practices of staff and the conditions in which staff are working and detainees are held, then report back to the police authority.

To find out more about becoming an Independent Custody Visitors in Greater Manchester contact GMPA on 0161-793 2920 or visit the Getting Involved section of the website www.gmpa.gov.uk