VOLUNTEERS are needed to visit prisoners in police cells.

West Yorkshire Police Authority wants more independent custody visitors.

Their role is to ensure that people who have been arrested are being properly treated.

They act as an independent monitor, checking on the welfare of detainees and ensuring all their special needs are met.

This includes checking on the conditions of cells, detention rooms, charge rooms, medical rooms, washing facilities, kitchen areas, exercise yards and the operation of CCTV systems.

Janet Spencer, chairman of the Police Authority's Independent Custody Visitors' Scheme, said: "We are looking for people from a wide variety of backgrounds and sections of the community.

"Their main quality must be that they believe in upholding standards and care about the treatment of others.

"They will be expected to make a minimum of 24 visits per year as far as possible spread evenly throughout the year.

"These will be a mix of rostered and non-rostered visits."

People must be over 18 with good listening and communication skills.

They must also have the ability to make informed, objective and independent judgements.

More information about the scheme is available on the website: www.wypa.org, or for an information pack and application form email ed@wypa.pnn.police.uk or phone 01924 292015.