Do Yourself Justice - Volunteer!
Get Involved - Volunteer in the Criminal Justice System
If you'd like to do something a bit different with your spare time and want to give back to your local community, why not volunteer in the CJS? There are a huge range of varied roles that you can do, from being a Special Constable to supporting victims of crime, to visiting Prisons. Volunteers are a vital part of the Criminal Justice System, so if you'd like to get involved, please read on!"
SPECIAL CONSTABLE
"Being a Special Constable is very rewarding and gives me a great sense of self satisfaction especially when I know I have helped someone, when they needed help the most." - Andrew, Special Constable
Special Constables are volunteers who hold the same powers as Regular Officers and perform varied and exciting Police duties in their free time. You'll work alongside Regular Officers helping to reduce crime and keep our communities safe. Special Constables are given a full training package over 8 alternate weekends.
- You must be over 18
- You must be of good character and in good health
- You should have a right to stay and work in the UK free of restrictions
- You should be able to commit to an average of 4 hours duty a week
For further information or to request an application pack please contact Carl Wilson, Northamptonshire Police Recruitment Team, tel: 08453 700 700 ext: 8774, or email Carl.Wilson@northants.police.uk
POLICE AUTHORITY - INDEPENDENT CUSTODY VISITORS (ICVs)
ICVs are volunteers who visit police stations unannounced to check on the welfare of people in police custody. You're given full training covering all aspects of custody visiting and are issued with an official identity card. You'll visit a police station in your local area four times a year, alongside another volunteer, and you are asked to complete a report on your findings.
- You must be over 18
- You can't be directly involved with the CJS (e.g. a police officer)
- You can apply if you have previous criminal convictions.
For more information, contact the Northamptonshire Police Authority on 01604 887433.
VICTIM SUPPORT
Victim Support volunteers help victims and their families come to terms with the emotional and practical problems that follow crime by providing free and confidential support and information. This usually involves phoning and possibly visiting them in their own homes, establishing if there are practical things we can help with, or information we can provide, and allowing them to talk through their feelings about crime and find their own strategies to overcome the effects.
- You must be over 18
- You'll be given full training to support victims of crime
"I was initially surprised by just how much people seem to value our help and contact and how much it means to them to be able to "really talk" to somebody who is "really listening." It is so rewarding and gratifying to get a sincere, heartfelt, "thank you very much," in some cases, for just being there. - Pauline, volunteer with the Kettering Branch
For more information visit the website www.vsnorthants.co.uk, or call Victim Support on 01604 603477.
WITNESS SERVICE
Witness Service volunteers are based in Magistrates' and Crown Court buildings and offer emotional support and practical information to people going to court. This can include: offering witnesses a chance to visit the court before giving evidence; explaining court procedures; accompanying a victim or witness into the courtroom, and offering support following the case.
- You need good listening skills
- You should be available for one day a week
- You must be over 18
For more information visit the website www.vsnorthants.co.uk or call the Witness Service team on 01604 603978.
"Enabling people to cope through the information and emotional support I am able to give is the most satisfying part of the work. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to enjoy such a rewarding activity." - Ian, Witness Service
MAGISTRATE
Magistrates dispense justice within the criminal justice system and hear a range of non-criminal cases. They deal with about 97% of criminal cases, considering the evidence in each and reaching a verdict. Magistrates decide on the most appropriate sentence when a defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty. Magistrates sit in threes so you will always sit with colleagues, and you will have advice from a Legal Advisor in court. You don't have to be qualified and you are given extensive training.
- You must be between 18 and 65 to apply
- You will need to be available to attend 24 half-day court sittings each year
- You should be of good character and sound judgement
For more information on becoming a magistrate, contact Eleanor Ansell on 01604 237812.
"|Whatever decision you come to will affect the defendant and their family, as well as the victim and their family - it's a big responsibility. But it's also a privilege and you know you are doing a public service." - Janet, Magistrate from Kettering
YOUTH OFFENDING TEAM - REFERRAL ORDER PANEL MEMBER
Referral Orders can be given to young people who appear in Court. These Orders are supervised by a Panel of three people, two of them being volunteers from the community. Panel Members attend meetings with the young person, their carer(s) and possibly the victim(s) and develop a contract of work for the young person to complete over the course of the Order. You will then monitor the progress of the Order, referring the case back to Court where necessary.
- You must be over 18
For more information - contact Caron Hunt on 01536 533805.
EDUCATION MENTORS
As a mentor, you will work with individual young people on specific areas designed to improve their educational attainment. This will often be aimed at improving literacy and/or numeracy, and be part of an agreed plan. Training and support will be offered.
- You must be over 18
- You need to be able to relate to young people
For more information - contact Sue Owen on 01604 602400.
PROBATION SERVICE - MENTORING AND TUITION
Volunteers are given training and then placed into suitable posts around the county. Tasks include one-to-one mentoring with offenders, helping with basic skills tuition, drug-testing, assisting group work tutors and computer skills tuition.
- You must be over 18
- You should be available for training and volunteering on weekdays
Please contact the Probation Service on 01604 658000 for more information.
BRIDGE PROGRAMME
The Bridge Mentoring Project was set up in 2005 by the Northants Drug Intervention Programme. The project enlists ex- drug users to act as mentors to drug-using offenders. Mentors also take part in activities and group work with offenders. Many mentors have gone on to paid work in the criminal justice system or drug services.
Full training is given and all expenses are paid. If you have been a drug user and would like to help people trying to help themselves, contact Vince Carroll on 07877 041360
www.bridge-northants.org.uk
PRISON - INDEPENDENT MONITORING BOARD (IMB)
IMB Members monitor day-to-day life in their local prison to ensure proper standards of decency and care are maintained. You'll have unrestricted access to your local prison at any time and can talk to any prisoner you wish to. A typical visit might include time spent in the kitchens, accommodation blocks and chaplaincy. The Board meets regularly and produces an annual report each year for the Home Secretary. It takes up about 2-3 days per month and you are given full training.
- You must be over 18
For more information visit www.imb.gov.uk or call Kate Smith at HMP Wellingborough on 01933 232 833.
OFFICIAL PRISON VISITOR (OPV)
OPVs are members of the community who visit prisons and befriend inmates, providing support, friendship and a link to the outside world. Visitors offer valuable opportunities for inmates to talk confidentially, and help them to come to terms with difficult situations.
- You need to be between 21 and 70
- Your appointment is at the discretion of the Governor
CHAPLAINCY VOLUNTEERS, HMP Wellingborough
Evening Groups at the Chaplaincy are supported by volunteers and are largely Christian based, including fellowship and bible study groups. Volunteers also support a victim awareness course and befriending activities.
- You'll be interviewed by the Chaplain prior to a volunteering place being offered
Prison Visitor's Centre Volunteer
The Visitor's centre at HMP is run by a charity and staff and volunteers provide information and guidance about visits as well as refreshments and comfortable waiting accommodation. Volunteering opportunities at the centre include administration support, preparation of refreshments and play work. There are also opportunities to support the play area inside the visits hall.
For more information on any of the Prison based volunteering roles, contact Kate Smith at HMP Wellingborough on 01933 232 833.
