WILTSHIRE POLICE
Job Description
Post Title: Detention Officer / Department: CustodyPost Number: Generic / Work Location: All Divisions
Grade: W6 / Security Vetting Level: RVVetting Level
Responsible to: Custody Sergeant / Date : September 2014
Reporting Structure:
Detention Officer
Job Purpose
Working with the Custody Officer, the post holder will assist in the secure detention, care and welfare of persons taken into custody and their property, ensure the maintenance of the custody unit and undertake associated administrative tasks to ensure that legislative and organisational demands are met
Main Responsibilities
1General Care of Detained Persons - Identify the needs of the detained persons, including suicidal, vulnerable, drunken or mental health persons and provide the necessary care to meet their individual needs
2Health & Welfare of Detained Persons - Provide meals and drinks for detained persons as appropriate and ensure such meals meet any special dietary needs or religious beliefs as far as practicable. Where a qualified medical practitioner has prescribed medication, ensure this is issued appropriately, that appropriate records are completed and ensure the safe storage of medicines. Inform the Custody Officer of any detained person who is suffering from infection or infestation e.g. Aids, Hepatitis and ensure that they receive appropriate treatment e.g. medical treatment, cleansing, disposal of contaminated materials and issue of clean clothing. Ensure secure storage of detained persons’ property. Ensure the provision of adequate toilet and ablution facilities. Monitor the movement of detained persons and oversee exercise periods. Ensure correct rousing of detainees under the influence of drink or drugs. Carry out basic first aid on any injured party as required.
3Security matters - Ensure detained persons are secure at all times whether in police premises or vehicles to prevent escape from custody. Patrol the cell complex and monitor any security devices and alarms to ensure there are no breaches of security. Undertake cell searches and checking of visitors or relatives and baggage as appropriate. Ensure that detained persons (including those identified as vulnerable persons) are visited, in accordance with the frequency of visits as determined by the Custody Officer. Carry out constant supervision as directed. Arrange and supervise phone calls made by the detained person. Supervise any visits to the detained person. Assist Independent Custody Visitors during their inspections of the Custody suites and take reasonable steps to maintain their safety.
4Maintain standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the cell complex - Check cells daily for defects, damage and cleanliness. Arrange for repairs as necessary via the Custody Officer. Maintain standards of bedding, including soiled and damaged articles. Clean/clear cells as required. Ensure that food preparation area and kitchen equipment is maintained and cleaned.
5Contact with outside agencies - Deal with enquiries by telephone or in person, ensuring that procedures are put in place as quickly as possible so that no detained person is kept in Custody any longer than is necessary. As directed by Custody Officer., arrange for attendance of relevant external bodies (e.g.: solicitors, interpreters, social services etc).
6Personal Searches of Detainees - Undertake personal searches of detainees in accordance with the relevant designated powers under the Police Reform Act 2002.
7Fingerprinting, taking of samples and Photographing of persons in police detention - Take fingerprints with or without consent in accordance with the relevant designated powers under the Police Reform Act 2002. Require defined categories of persons who have been charged with or convicted of recordable offences to attend a police station to have their fingerprints taken under Section 27 (1) and/or a sample taken under Section 63a (4) of PACE. Photograph detained persons under Section 64A of PACE, requiring the removal of face covering where necessary, or undertake examination under Section 54A in order to find identifying marks or determine the identity of persons detained and to photograph any mark. Carry out field testing for controlled drugs and test for Class A drugs linked to a trigger offence (Section 63B and 63C of PACE).
9Taking of Samples and Warnings - Take non-intimate samples in accordance with the relevant designated powers under the Police Reform Act 2002 (Section 63 PACE). Discharge the duty under Section 62 (7A) (a) of PACE to inform a person from whom an intimate sample has been taken that the sample may be the subject of a speculative search against existing records.
10Restraint of Detained Persons - Assist in the restraint of violent and disorderly detained persons within the custody unit and those being escorted (see para. 11).
11Escort of Detainees –In accordance with Schedule 4, Part 4 of the Police Reform Act 2002, convey andescort detained persons between police stations or between police stations and other specified locations (e.g. hospitals) and to assist in supervising those detained persons in such locations as required. Convey an arrested person to a designated Police Station or, where designated Station is not available within the area, and the subject is unlikely to be detained over 6 hours, to another Station. Reasonable force may be used to prevent escape, keep the arrested person in their charge and under their control.
12CCTV – Monitor the CCTV system for Divisional HQ sites as the Custody is the only 24-hour unit on site. Make security checks as required ensuring a secure and safe environment.
13Administrative Support - Maintain custody records of detained persons and record all events in chronological sequence. Raise bail records for the relevant date and investigate what outcome is anticipated. Undertake the necessary administrative duties as required, e.g. tasks associated with the release of detained persons, completion of custody records, PNC checks, daily detained person returns, body book, medication records, etc. Input and interrogate the custody computer system. Process detained persons, including the taking of DNA, photographing, SICAR and Livescan fingerprinting. Complete any associated documentation ensuring that it is submitted promptly. Complete and submit Intelligence Reports (Form 52) in accordance with the current procedures. Carry out Virtual Courts procedures including escort and supervision of detainees and complete all necessary related paperwork. Check various stocks are at a reasonable level and replenish them as required e.g.: for interview rooms, intoxilizer, store cupboard, stationery, surgeons’ and food cupboards.
Dimensions
Financial
There are no financial dimensions attached to this post but the post holder is responsible for handling case and personal property belonging to the detained person.
Non-Financial
XXXX detained persons
Person Specification
Detention Officer
Attributes / On Appointment / CriteriaQualifications:
Experience: / Experience of undertaking work of a similar nature e.g. supervising individuals in an institutional environment would be desirable
Sound administrative experience / Desirable
Essential
Skills: / Competent in the use of Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel
Experience of inputting, editing and searching databases
Ability to work with minimum supervision
Excellent communication, listening and interpersonal skills
Administrative skills including the ability to maintain up to date and accurate records
Problem solving skills
Understanding of principles of basic hygiene and cleanliness
Current full UK driving licence held (or equivalent) / Essential
Desirable
Essential
Essential
Desirable
Essential
Desirable
Essential
Knowledge: / Some knowledge of basic first aid procedures
Understanding of the importance of confidentiality in the workplace
General awareness of equality and diversity issues in the working environment
Awareness of workplace health & safety issues
Understanding of confidentiality and Data Protection/Freedom of Information issues / Desirable
Desirable
Essential
Desirable
Desirable
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Attributes / After TrainingQualifications:
Experience: / Experienced in the provision of a custody service to persons detained by the Wiltshire Constabulary
Skills: / Basic self defence skills and skills in searching people appropriately
Ability to deal with people in confrontational situations and remain calm
Undertaken necessary training to utilise police radios, PNC and other relevant IT systems
Ability to undertake fingerprints and DNA samples when required
Ability to manage detainees appearing at Virtual Courts
Completion of appropriate course to be able to undertake drugs testing
Good understanding of the relevant legal processes within the Custody environment and your role within them
Ability to develop and adapt to changing working practices in order to meet the demands of Wiltshire Police, new legislation or new policies introduced within the Force
Assessed as competent to drive a Wiltshire Police vehicle
Knowledge: / Knowledge of Police Procedures in relation to custody and ‘detained persons’ handling as laid down within legislation, including PACE
Knowledge of own authority under designated powers under the Police Reform Act 2002
Good knowledge of the Codes of Practice
Knowledge regarding continuity and production of evidence and how to maintain its integrity
Basic knowledge of food hygiene regulations – completion of food preparation and hygiene course
A good understanding of how external agencies link into the system
Understanding of your responsibility under Equal Opportunities and the way in which your role and the organisation may impact on minority and more vulnerable communities within Wiltshire
Greater understanding of relevant health & safety issues within your working environment
Understanding of the impact of the Human Rights Act on the organisation and the role that you undertake
Greater understanding of Data Protection and Freedom of Information issues within your working environment
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Role Profile
Detention Officer
Core Responsibilities / ActivitiesThe role holder should effectively deliver these key requirements:
Behaviour Area / Behaviour
Other Information
Detention Officer
Wiltshire Police provides a 24 hour 7 day a week service therefore applicants should be prepared to be flexible in their approach to working hours.
The postholder should be aware that the role of the Detention Officer can on occasions be a physically demanding role.
Whilst many tasks have been specified within this job description, there are further miscellaneous tasks that will apply in different locations. To minimise the length of this document, the post holder should be aware that they will therefore be expected to undertake any other appropriate tasks as directed by the Custody Officer to assist with the efficient and effective running of the Custody Unit. Where such tasks are regarded as particularly onerous, or where they become a more regular / prevalent part of the normal duties, this document will be reviewed to consider if they should be incorporated more explicitly.
The post holder will be expected to wear a uniform if provided, at all times when on duty.
On occasions Detention Officers may be required to work at other Custody Units.
There may be a requirement for Detention Officers to give evidence and write statements of evidence having witnessed a detained person’s actions.
The post holder musthold a full driving licence (licensed for them to drive in the UK), have access to a vehicle or be able to make alternative arrangements to meet the requirements of the post.
You will be required to attend all necessary and relevant training courses in respect of your employment to ensure compliance with the policies of the Force.
MoPI (Management of Police Information);
Share information where appropriate with community partners and other agencies, paying regard to force procedures for recording such sharing. Ensure information recorded is relevant, accurate and adequate, meets legal requirements and data quality standards.
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