Drive on to recruit prison welfare team

A RECRUITMENT drive seeking volunteers to assess the welfare of prisoners in custody and advise Lothian and Borders Police on equality issues is hosting an information event tonight for prospective applicants.

Applications are being sought for five custody visitors to carry out inspections of police cells to ensure prisoners are being properly cared for.

Lay diversity advisers, who monitor police investigations of hate crime as well as influencing force strategy and operations dealing with diversity and equality, are also being sought.

The information evening about lay diversity advisers is at 7pm tonight at the City Chambers in the High Street, with a session seeking custody visitors planned for 10am on Saturday.

Councillor Iain Whyte, the police board’s convenor, said: “These roles are vital in helping the police board monitor, assess and improve equality and custody welfare issues.”