Before appointment as a custody visitor, each volunteer must undergo a short training course. We usually hold this in Birmingham.

The first session is held on a Saturday during the day, followed by an evening role playing session. The trainees are then required to conduct training visits accompanied by an experienced custody visitor. A final debriefing session is then held approximately one month after initial training.

We run the course in an informal style and provide refreshments throughout the sessions.

The objectives of this course are to give each person information relating to:

• General background to the scheme
• The role and responsibilities of custody visitors
• The procedures governing the custody and welfare of people detained by the police

To complete the course successfully each element must be completed.

Once the course has been completed successfully, we will formally appoint and issue each trainee with a handbook and an identification card. They are then able to make visits.