NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED
OFFICIAL
ABOUT SOUTH WALES POLICE
Organisation
South Wales Police is the largest police force in Wales and although geographically small, covering around 812 square miles and equating to just 10% of the geographical area of Wales, South Wales Police provides a policing service to 1.3 million people (42% of the country’s population).
South Wales is a diverse region, boasting urban, rural and coastal areas and featuring the two largest cities in Wales – Swansea and the capital city, Cardiff. The force also serves63 of the 100 most deprived communities in Wales.
South Wales Police is the eighth largest force in Wales and England, and deals with around 48% of the total crime in Wales.
A recent HMIC inspection identified South Wales Police as the busiest force in England and Wales, in terms of demand per officer. Each year South Wales Police will:
• Deal with around 430,000 incidents
• Receive over 200,000 emergency 999 calls
• Make over 38,000 arrests
• Deal with over 87,000 crimes
• Support an average 200 major events and welcome over 25 million visitors
FORCE AREA
CUSTODY ENVIRONMENT
Working in a custody suite demands a high level of concentration at all times. It is the heartbeat of the police station. You’ll need to think on your feet, and make quick decisions. At times it can be stressful dealing with detainees but at other times there are moments where you can relax, although still maintaining security and control, and remaining sensitive to the individual needs of detainees. Because many detainees have difficulties coming to terms with being detained, A CDO’s work can often prove challenging whilst incredibly rewarding.
When people are arrested they are taken to a custody suite where they are detained whilst the offence for which they were arrested is investigated.
They are then either given police bail whilst further enquiries are made or receive one of the following case disposals:
• Charged/postal requisition
• Simple police caution
• Conditional caution
• Youth reprimand
• Youth Final Warning
• Penalty Notice for Disorder
• Offence Taken into Consideration, or
• No Further Action taken
• Restorative Justice.
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The Custody Officer who is a Police Officer in the rank of Sergeant, is responsible for the custody suite. The Custody Officer will be responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the Custody Detention Officers (CDOs).
Other agencies and people who work or deliver services in the custody suites include:
• Solicitors and/or Legal representatives
• Custody Healthcare Professionals
• Drug workers
• Youth workers, and
• Independent Custody Visitors (ICV) from the local community
• Appropriate adults.
CUSTODY DETENTION OFFICER ROLE OVERVIEW
The CDO’s role is based in the custody suite and their main objective is to support the Custody Officer in providing a safe custody environment and ensure the rights and entitlements of people detained are protected. The Custody Officer has overall responsibility for the entire Custody Suite and CDOs must act in accordance with their instructions and carry out all duties with integrity and in accordance with current legislation.
CDOs will have the opportunity to perform a range of duties from undertaking the booking in function to carrying out other important roles revolving around the welfare of detainees and the general safety of the custody suite. These are known as gaoler (pronounced jailer) duties. All of these duties must be conducted with integrity, compassion and professionalism. By the very nature of policing CDOs will deal with individuals from a variety of backgrounds; some will be vulnerable, some will have complex medical needs; often there will be language barriers and therefore, working within a custody suite will test the skills of our staff, especially our ability to communicate. Although a challenging role, CDOs can make a real difference to people’s lives by enabling access to other support services.
Below are some of the job related activities:
Drug testing
Drugs Intervention Program: testing procedures on detainees where tests have been authorised. The drug test requires the taking of a mouth swab and testing of the sample for the presence of specified class “A” drugs using the approved drug testing equipment.
Samples
Take non-intimate samples with or without consent. Give warnings regarding failure to provide non-intimate samples.
Cell visits
Undertake visits to detainees at the prescribed intervals and rouse and speak to them as appropriate. Note custody record with time visited and action taken. Advise Custody Officer immediately if the condition of a detainee gives cause for concern.
Answer cell calls
Respond to calls for attention from the detainees and simple requests such as requests for food/drink or blanket etc. Assist with the escorting of detainees to interview and chaperon when visiting with the Healthcare Practitioner (HCP) and as directed by the Custody Officer.
Telephone calls
On the direction of the Custody Officer, requests attendance of HCP or attendance of duty/instructed solicitor for detainee. Answer telephone enquiries and provide information as appropriate, referring to Custody Officer as necessary. Supervise permitted telephone call(s). Requests details of number and person to be called, note details in the Custody record. Dial number supervise call as directed.
Inputter functions
Assist with the administration of arrivals of detained persons, recording the condition and needs of such persons, determining immediate action if necessary.
Assist the Custody Officer to undertake the risk assessment process, including medical history and incidents of particular risk. Advise the Custody Officer accordingly.
Maintain a chronological order of events onto the custody record relating to the on-going detention of the detainee in accordance with legislation and SWP Custody Policy.
Directions by Custody Officer
The post holder may be required to carry out other reasonable tasks as directed by the Custody Officer or other supervising officer from time to time.
Supply disposable toilet items (toothbrush and paste, soap and razor) and collect those items immediately after use.
Supervise detainee seen by Health Care Practitioner (HCP). Assist with visit to the HCP and medical care of detainees. On the instruction of the Custody Officer only, administer medication to detainees at intervals recommended by Forensic Medical Examiner and note custody record accordingly.
Search property brought in for detainees on authority of the Custody Officer Conduct search of detainee’s property. Inform Custody Officer of any property discovered during the search that may be illegal or concerned with drug use.
Detainee’s exercise
At appropriate times and with authority of the Custody Officer supervise exercise of detainees in secure area.
Detainee’s washing
Detainee ablutions and supervise detainee of the same sex when using washing facilities in the cell block.
Supplies detainees with meals
Arrange and deliver meals for detainees, with regard for any dietary requirements, and note Custody record accordingly. Inform Custody Officer of any person wising to supply detainees with food or drink.
Maintains Custody Suite stores
Ensure adequate custody stores are maintained, including detainee supplies, stationery, DVDs and interview tapes etc.
Cells
Ensure that cells are in good working order and are presentable for re-use. To give the cell a general wipe down in preparation for the next detainee. Notify the Custody Officer of defects and contact the appropriate department to arrange repair. Conduct regular searches of empty cells to ensure that nothing is hidden and advise the Custody Officer immediately if anything is found.
Fingerprints
Take fingerprints of a detained person if authorised by law or if detainee voluntarily agrees to provide their fingerprints. Update custody record with result.
Searches and Photographs
Undertake non-intimate search of persons detained at the police station as authorised. Photograph a detainee at police station on authority of the Custody Officer.
Footwear Impressions
Take footwear impressions of a detainee at a police station on authority of the Custody Officer.
Present evidence in court and other hearings
Attend court and give evidence when required.
Personal skills
It’s not just what is trained, but what a CDO can bring with them in regards to personal skills;
• Competence in basic use of Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook. Typing speed is not essential, however, it would be beneficial;
• Observation skills. Being able to recognise and remember individuals from local intelligence briefings or reading the body language of detainees who present inconsistent or unusual behaviour could prove invaluable to managing their safety and wellbeing in custody;
• Communication Skills.
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
Below is just a selection of acronyms used in relation to Custody with their meaning. This list is not exhaustive and you will get used to the acronyms as they become a part of your working career in South Wales Police.
Acronym Full Meaning
4Rs - Those who are suspected of being ‘under the influence’ of drink or drugs, must be checked and roused at least every half hour, and have their condition assessed as in Code C Annex H - the 4 R’s
Rousability - Can they be woken?
Response to questions - Can they give appropriate answers to simple questions
Response to commands - can they respond appropriately to simple commands
Remember - To take into account the possibility or presence of illnesses, injury or mental condition. A person who appears drowsy and smells of alcohol may also have: diabetes, epilepsy, a head injury, drug intoxication or overdose, or stroke
CCTV - Close Circuit Television
Custody Officer - Is always a Police Sergeant - they are solely responsible for everything that occurs in the Custody Suite during their shift
Custody Suite - Part of the Police Station that houses detainees, this includes cells, interview rooms, medical examination rooms, fingerprint rooms and booking in desk.
CDO - Custody Detention Officer
DIP - Drugs Interventions Programme. Home Office initiative with the aim to reduce crime through drug treatment
FME - Forensic Medical Examiner (Doctor)
HCP - Health care practitioner (nurse)
ICV - Independent Custody Visitor
LiveScan - Computer system used for the capturing of fingerprints
Non-Intimate DNA Samples - Normally a mouth swab, but can include a hair sample
Non-Intimate Search - Search of a detainee which does not include any intimate part of their body. This includes strip searching for drugs or weapons.
NICHE - Computer system used by SWP - full training will be given
PNC - Police National Computer
APPLICATION PROCESS
To support you in your application for the role of Custody Detention Officer (CDO), this guidance will help you understand the process from beginning to end.
As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. However, as black and minority ethnic (BME) candidates are currently under-represented within the Force, we would particularly welcome applications from BME applicants. If you would like to discuss further this opportunity, support offered and the forthcoming recruitment campaign, please contact our Representative Workforce Team on .
What do I need to know?
The process
1. Complete application form
This will be completed via our on line system. You will need to register for an account and complete this electronically. You can get ready by being familiar with the system and creating an account now before the application form is live – please visit our website for further information http://www.south-wales.police.uk/en/join-us/
At this point you will need to evidence your skills as well as providing personal information. The evidence does not have to be ‘work’ based but could be linked to something that you have undertaken outside of the working environment. What we are seeking is evidence of a particular skill; it is not important where you would have gained this skill from.
In addition to your skills, you will also be required to provide personal information such as your financial background, and details of your close relatives and associates.
We require this information to ensure we can complete the necessary vetting checks as CDOs do have access to privileged information, which may make them vulnerable to corruption. We also need to ensure that your associations are appropriate due to the nature of our business.
2. Eligibility checks
Your eligibility is checked on receipt of your application form. Eligibility is:
Age - You must be at least 18 years old to become a CDO. There is no upper age limit.
Nationality - You must be a British Citizen, citizen from the European Economic Area (EEA), Commonwealth citizen or foreign national with no restrictions on your stay in the United Kingdom. You must also have been continually resident in the UK for the three year period immediately before an application is made.
Health – You must be in good health mentally and physically to deal with the pressures and demands of police work.
Tattoos – if you have any tattoos these must be of an appropriate nature and always concealed, they must never be visible whilst you are in uniform. Each case will be considered on its own merits.
Financial Status - All applicants will have their financial status checked. Any applicants with outstanding County Court judgements, who have been registered bankrupt with outstanding debts, will be rejected. If you have discharged bankruptcy debts then you will need to provide a Certificate of Satisfaction with your application. Applicants who are the subject of a current Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) will not be considered.
Criminal Record - You may still be eligible to join the police service if you have minor convictions/cautions, but there are certain offences and conditions that will make you ineligible. This includes anyone who has received a formal caution in the last five years, committed a violent crime or public order offence.
Membership of the BNP or a similar organisation - South Wales Police has a policy of prohibiting any of our officers or staff from being members of the BNP, or a similar organisation whose aims, objectives or pronouncements may contradict the duty to promote race equality.
Any relatives and associates with criminal convictions or cautions may also hinder you being accepted into the Service.
3. Scoring your evidence on application form (shortlist)
Your evidence will be assessed if you are successful at the eligibility stage. Please ensure when completing your form you answer the questions with examples and have a clear understanding of the question(s). On the application form you are restricted a certain number of characters per competency, so you need to be concise with your answers. There is no spell-check on the application form so you could practice your answers on Word and copy and paste them onto the application form. This way you will be able to word count, and spell-check your answers.