Custody Visitor Receives First Ever Gwent PCC Volunteer of the Year Award

An Independent Custody Visitor (ICV) has received the first ever ‘Gwent PCC Volunteer of the Year Award’.

ICV Justin Johnstone, received the award from Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Jeff Cuthbert, in front of thousands of people at the Gwent Police ‘Behind the Badge’ event last weekend.

Justin, who leaves the ICV scheme this month after nine years’ service, said he was ‘overwhelmed’ with the award.

“I am overwhelmed to receive this award. It has been an absolute privilege to work with everyone over the last nine years.

“I wish all remaining ICVs the very best for the future.”

Not only an ICV, Justin also gives his time and commitment to both the Gwent Police and British Transport Police’s Independent Advisory Group and the Gwent Police Ethics Committee.

On presenting the award, PCC Jeff Cuthbert said “I am absolutely delighted to present Justin with this award.

“He has been an invaluable asset to my office and Gwent Police throughout his nine years’ service and I am sure I am not alone in saying that I will be sad to see him leave this summer.

“Throughout his time on the scheme, Justin has been instrumental in supporting his fellow volunteers to monitor the standards of custody and the treatment of detainees within.

“I would like to thank Justin for his many years’ service and I wish him every success for the future.”

ICVs are specially trained volunteers who make unannounced visits to police custody units to check on the welfare of detainees and the facilities they are held in.

For more information on the scheme, please visit www.bit.ly/GwentICVs.