Cumbria Constabulary HAY JOB PROFILE Job Title: Detention Officer Department: Custody Reports To: Custody Officer Location: North, South, West This job profile has been written primarily for evaluation purposes and may not detail some less major duties allocated to the post holder, nor cover duties of a similar nature, commensurate with the grade, which may from time to time be reasonably required by the relevant manager. All employees must ensure compliance with the Cumbria Constabulary Health and Safety Policy, and all other relevant statutory Health and Safety legislation 1. JOB PURPOSE To assist the Custody Officer to uphold a detainee s safety, rights and welfare, and support the efficient, effective operation of the suite. 2. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES 2.1 As part of the Custody team, ensure the security, safety, welfare and fair handling of detainees. 2.2 As part of the Custody team, ensure the safety of all staff and visitors to the suite. 2.3 Monitor, and report on, the health, safety and welfare of all detainees, in line with Authorised Professional Practice guidance, under the direction of the Custody Officer. 2.4 Assist healthcare professionals as required. 2.5 Carry out Livescan and image capture processes, with or without the consent of the detainee. Maintain associated supplies. 2.6 Carry out duties as provided for by Police Reform Act 2002, namely: a) Make non-intimate and strip searches of detained persons and seize items found during the searches. b) Carry out intimate searches in accordance with sec 55(6) PACE. c) Take non-intimate samples including DNA speculative searches, with or without the consent of the detainee, and give the appropriate warnings about speculative searches. d) Carry out searches and examinations in order to determine the identity of persons detained at the Police station. e) Require certain defined categories of persons who have been convicted, cautioned, reprimanded or warned in relation to a recordable offence, to attend a Police Station for fingerprints or samples to be taken. f) Inform detainees that intimate samples may be the subject of speculative searches.
2.7 Deal with the handling, storage and administration of detainee property. 2.8 Escort detainees to court, prison establishments and other police areas as required. 2.9 Ensure detainee meals are provided in accordance with Force policy. 2.10 Assist with detainee ablutions. 2.11 Arrange laundry when necessary, including replacement and repairs of bedding. 2.12 Undertake cell visits and assist with security within the cell complex. 2.13 Issue medication to detainees, in accordance with APP guidance and the advice of the health care professionals. 2.14 Using the Custody IT system, maintain the bail diary and appointments, making enquiries with officers regarding non-attendance of detainees in line with force policy. 2.15 Using the Custody IT system, prepare charge sheets for defendants in custody ensuring all relevant details are entered prior to charging. 2.16 Input data for all Voluntary Attendees, both at designated and non-designated stations, on the Custody IT system and provide tape reference numbers for non-designated stations on request. 2.17 Deal with enquiries from callers on the telephone or at the enquiry desk in relation to detainees. 2.18 Where required in relation to all identified offence categories or a specific case, take copies of detainees' footwear. 2.19 Carry out administration duties in relation to the custody suite. 2.20 Ensure full compliance with the APP guidance and the implementation of all inspection regimes, as outlined within the Custody performance framework. 2.21 Check cells for damage before and after removal of detainees, and ensure cells are clean and fit for use. 2.22 Carry out presumptive drug testing when required 2.23 Ensure the safe disposal of any contaminated waste products. 2.24 Undertake any other duties that are commensurate with the post, taking into account the demands of the custody suite
3. DIMENSIONS The postholder has no supervisory or budget responsibility 4. KEY FEATURES 4.1 Framework and Boundaries The postholder works under the close direction of the Custody Officer, particularly when exercising powers conferred on him/her under PACE 1984 and the Police Reform Act 2002. The postholder works within police regulations, police staff terms and conditions, current employment and criminal legislation and Force policy. The post holder works within Police Staff Terms and Conditions, current employment and criminal legislation and force policy. 4.2 Important Working Relationships Internal Custody Officers Custody Manager Human resources Police Officers Crime Scene Investigators Line management, guidance, day to day working Second line management Liaison on job-specific issues Assistance with detainees, gathering of information Assistance with evidential samples External Health care professionals Public, detainee's family, Solicitors etc Drug & Alcohol workers, YOTs, Social Services, Appropriate Adults Prisoner Transport Independent Custody Visitors Assistance with routine medical matters Provide information on detainee status, etc Provide information on detainees Liaison on numbers and types of detainees to be transported Provide information on custody suite etc 4.3 Major Challenges The post holder will be required to work within a custody unit, dealing with detainees who may be: under the influence of intoxicating substances; aggressive; traumatised; or suffering from psychological disorders. Although effective safety and support systems are in place, the post holder will be required to be aware of the nature and likely impact of detainees physical and mental conditions within the custody unit and to undertake duties in a manner which minimises risk to themselves, other officers and the detainees. The post holder will periodically be tasked with a variety of non-custody related tasks. Therefore, the ability to be flexible is a prerequisite for success in this post.
5. ORGANISATION CHART Custody Manager Custody Officer (s) Detention Officer (s) Agreed by Post Holder: Line Manager: Head of Criminal Justice
CUMBRIA CONSTABULARY PERSON SPECIFICATION JOB: Detention Officer POST No: LOCATION: Essential Desirable EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE Skills & competencies required. Eg: Geographical knowledge of the area, familiarity with certain legislation. Clerical experience (record maintenance) Working to procedures To have dealt with people face to face Supervision of people in secure environment (e.g. prison, hospital) Competent in Microsoft Office Applications First Aid qualification EDUCATION AND TRAINING General education Specialist training Sufficiently literate and numerate to assist with custody records and carry out minor clerical tasks. Basic office IT skills Qualification in Microsoft Office applications Competency and Values Framework for policing (Level One) Innovative and Open Minded Deliver, Support and Inspire Taking Ownership Critically Analyse Collaborative Emotionally Aware CIRCUMSTANCES Eg: Driving licence/mobility Shift working Usual/irregular working hours Standby/callout Occasional extended duties Flexible to provide cover during annual leave etc. Full current driving licence Physically fit (the successful applicant will be required to attend for medical examination) Calm temperament