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CUSTODY DETENTION OFFICERINFORMATION & GUIDANCE PACK


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 serves 63 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 ENVIRONMENTWorking in a custody suite demands a high level of concentration at all times. It is the heartbeat of the police station. You will 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 OVERVIEWThe CDO’s role is based in the custody suite, 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 are to 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, CDO’s 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, 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 washingDetainee ablutions and supervise detainee of the same sex when using washing facilities in the cellblock.

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 is 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 PROCESSTo 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 (BAME) candidates are currently under-represented within the Force, we would particularly welcome applications from BAME applicants. If you would like to discuss further this opportunity, support offered and the forthcoming recruitment campaign, please contact our Representative Workforce Team on [email protected].

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 – please visit our website for further information http://www.south-wales.police.uk/en/join-us/ PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST COMPLETE THE ADDENDUM WHICH IS PUBLISHED TO THE RIGHT OF THIS ADVERT ALSO.

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.


http://www.south-wales.police.uk/en/join-us/

http://www.south-wales.police.uk/en/join-us/

mailto:[email protected]



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. If you do not have three years continual residency in the UK prior to the application, being made you must inform us on application so we can advise whether you have a three-year checkable history. Health – You must be in good health mentally and physically to deal with the pressures and demands of police work.

Tattoos – You must not have tattoos on your hands, neck, forearms or face which could cause offence to members of the public or colleagues, or be considered lewd, garish or provocative.

Tattoos are not a bar to appointment. However, some tattoos could potentially offend members of the public or colleagues, or could bring discredit to the police service. It depends on their size, nature and location, and sometimes on the extent.

Tattoos are not acceptable if they:

• Undermine the dignity and authority of the office of constable;

• Could cause offence to members of the public or colleagues and/or invite provocation;

• Are garish or numerous or particularly prominent;

Indicate unacceptable attitudes towards women, minority groups or any other section of the community;

• Indicate alignment with a particular group that could give offence to members of the public or colleagues; and/or

• Are considered to be discriminatory, rude lewd, crude, racist, sexist, sectarian, homophobic, violent or intimidating.

You must include at least two photographs of each tattoo if they are located on your hands, neck, forearms or face. The first photograph must be a close up of the tattoo. The second photograph must clearly show the location of the tattoo on your body.Please refer to the National Policing Improvement Agency Circular 02/2011 on the College of Policing website www.college.police.uk

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.


http://www.college.police.uk/


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 could include anyone who has received a formal caution or committed a violent crime or public order offence. We will consider these on an individual basis.

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 to 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.

The role has 6 competencies (skills/behaviour required). Within the application form, you are only required to evidence against the three following competencies:

Professionalism

Acts with integrity, in line with values of the Police ServiceTakes ownership for resolving problems, demonstrating courage and resilience in dealing with difficult and potentially volatile situationsActs on own initiative to address issues, showing a strong work ethic and putting in extra effort when required.Upholds professional standards, acting honestly and ethically and challenges unprofessional conduct or discriminatory behaviourRemains calm and professional under pressure, defusing conflict and being prepared to step forward and take control when required.

Decision Making

Gathers, verifies and assesses all appropriate and available information to gain an accurate understanding of situations.Considers a range of possible options before making clear, timely, justifiable decisionsReviews decisions in light of new information and changing circumstances.Balance risks, costs and benefits, thinking about the wider impact of decisionsExercises discretion and applies professional judgement, ensuring actions and decisions are proportionate and in the public interest



Working with others

Works co-operatively with others to get things done, willingly giving help and support to colleagues.Is approachable, developing positive working relationships.Listens carefully and asks questions to clarify understanding, expressing own views positively and constructively.Persuades people by stressing the benefits of a particular approach, keeps them informed of progress and manages their expectations.Is courteous, polite and considerate, showing empathy and compassion.Deals with people as individuals and address their specific needs and concerns Treats people with respect and dignity, dealing with them fairly and without prejudice taking a non-judgemental approach regardless of their background or circumstances

Tips for completing a CBQ – Competency Based Questionnaire.

Remember, the purpose of the questions is for you to demonstrate your skills, traits and methods of working. The examples you choose to give should enable you to do this in a clear and concise manner. These do not have to be work based, and may be as a result of something that you have completed as part of your personal life or a hobby. What we are seeking is evidence that you are able to meet the skills and competencies required for the role.

When preparing your evidence, please read the role profile carefully.

The key to competency-based applications is that general answers are not enough. You will need to provide detailed, specific information about an event or experience and how you acted in the circumstances. Whichever example you choose to use, you must focus on you and your personal role. If you provide an example where you worked as a member of a team, make sure you focus on the part you played and make “I” statements rather than “we”.

What we are seeking is evidence that you are able to meet the skills and competencies required for the role. Avoid using jargon or slang terms. Remember that this is a formal application for an important and responsible job.

You can use examples from your work, social, domestic or educational life. It is important that the form is all your own work. At any point, you may be questioned on any example given, and asked to provide contact details of people able to confirm what happened.

Try to use examples that you found difficult or challenging to deal with. They tend to achieve better marks.



Write in complete sentences, rather than notes or bullet points.

4. Assessment Centre

You will be required to attend an Assessment Centre, which will consist of:

A. Interview / Assessment exercise

Interview

The interview will last for a maximum of 20 minutes during which you will be asked four questions about how you have dealt with specific situations in the past. These questions will be related to the below competency areas:

Serving the Public

Demonstrates a real belief in public service, focusing on what matters to the public and what will best serve their interests Understands the expectations, changing needs and concerns of different communities and strive to address them Builds public confidence by talking to people in local communities to explore their viewpoints and break down barriers between them and the policeUnderstands the impact, benefits of policing for different communities, and identifies the best way to deliver services to them Works in partnership with other agencies to deliver the best possible overall service to the public

Professionalism

Acts with integrity, in line with values of the Police ServiceTakes ownership for resolving problems, demonstrating courage and resilience in dealing with difficult and potentially volatile situationsActs on own initiative to address issues, showing a strong work ethic and putting in extra effort when requiredUpholds professional standards, acting honestly and ethically and challenges unprofessional conduct or discriminatory behaviourRemains calm and professional under pressure, defusing conflict and being prepared to step forward and take control when required

Openness to Change

Positive about change, responding flexibly and adapting to different ways of working



Finds better, more cost effective ways to do things, making suggestions for changeTakes an innovative and creative approach to solving problemsAsks for and acts on feedback, learning from experience and developing own professional skills and knowledge

Service Delivery

Understands the organisation’s objectives and priorities and how work fits into thesePlans and organises tasks effectively, taking a structured and methodical approach to achieving outcomesManages multiple tasks effectively by thinking things through in advance, prioritising and managing time wellFocuses on the outcomes to be achieved, working quickly and accurately and seeking guidance when appropriate

Decision Making

Gathers, verifies and assesses all appropriate and available information to gain an accurate understanding of situationsConsiders a range of possible options before making clear, timely, justifiable decisionsReviews decisions in light of new information and changing circumstancesBalance risks, costs and benefits, thinking about the wider impact of decisionsExercises discretion and applies professional judgement, ensuring actions and decisions are proportionate and in the public interest

Working with Others

Works co-operatively with others to get things done, willingly giving help and support to colleaguesIs approachable, developing positive working relationshipsListens carefully and asks questions to clarify understanding, expressing own views positively and constructivelyPersuades people by stressing the benefits of a particular approach, keeps them informed of progress and manages their expectationsIs courteous, polite and considerate, showing empathy and compassionDeals with people as individuals and address their specific needs and concernsTreats people with respect and dignity, dealing with them fairly and without prejudice taking a non-judgemental approach regardless of their background or circumstances

You may also be asked about the work and ethics of South Wales Police. You will be allowed up to five minutes to answer each question, and the interviewer will stop you if you overrun the five minutes. The interviewer may ask you further follow on questions to assist you to provide a full response. When considering your responses to the interview questions please be mindful to choose examples that you feel comfortable discussing with the interviewer.



B. Assessment exerciseDetails of the assessment will be provided to you on the day. This assessment will be a role-play scenario, which may assess any of the competencies within the role.

C. Numerical and Spelling Test For both exercises, you will be asked to answer a number of multiple-choice questions. The total time provided will be 30 minutes.

Priorities and the work ethics of South Wales Police – Please familiarise yourself with these by researching information from the website www.south-wales.police.uk

5. Background Checks to include

Security and Financial checksOur Vetting Unit must carry out background checks using information you provided on your application against you and your family using Police systems. These will include any convictions/cautions and financial vetting.

References We will ask for a checkable history for the previous 3 years, we will not write to your current employer unless we have your permission to do so.

Biometric Vetting (Fingerprints and DNA)You will be required to give a Fingerprint and DNA sample. On the day, we will be asking you to sign a consent form to take your fingerprints and a sample of your DNA for the purposes of a speculative search and for your fingerprints and DNA profile to be retained on the Police Elimination Database (PEDb).The purpose of obtaining fingerprints and DNA samples is to allow for a speculative search to be made against the local and national databases prior to your appointment to the police force. This is to ensure that you have not previously come to adverse police attention, which you have not informed us of, and that you are not linked to any outstanding crime scenes.We will ask you to take these tests after we have we have successfully completed all your background checks.

Foundation Training Course After successfully passing all elements of the recruitment process, you will be offered a post of Custody Detention Officer and will be subject to a probationary period of six months.

During this time, you must successfully complete a five week CDO Foundation Training Course (FTC).

A CDO must be ‘Designated’ before they can carry out any of the above listed duties. To achieve designation status under the Police Reform Act 2002, the



Chief Constable must be satisfied that each individual is suitable, capable and adequately trained. In order to ensure this legislative requirement is met, CDOs will undergo formal exams and assessments, which are pass/fail exams throughout the five week Foundation Training Course (FTC), to ensure each CDO is correctly trained to perform their role safely and effectively within the Custody Suite.As this post requires interaction with the public, all new CDO recruits will receive awareness training in personal and officer safety.

What happens next?

The advert will be available from Monday 26th November 2018 and will close at 12 noon, Monday 17th December 2018.

SupportAs 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 BAME applicants. If you would like to discuss further this opportunity, support offered and the forthcoming recruitment campaign, please contact our Representative Workforce Team on [email protected].

Who do I contact to discuss how to apply?

You can contact our team in HR-Recruitment ([email protected]) and they will direct your query to the most appropriate person.

Who do I contact if I experience difficulties with the application form?

You can contact our HR Helpdesk on 01656 305870 or [email protected]

I am not available to attend the dates for the assessments.

Unfortunately, the only dates we have for assessments are those we will notify you of. If you are successful at the application stage, you will be invited to attend the assessments at some time during that week. If you are unable to attend these dates unfortunately, we will be unable to progress your application.

I have forgotten to add something to my application. Can I retrieve it to add something?









No, unfortunately once you have submitted your application the only way you can add information to it is by withdrawing it and re-submitting a new application.

If I have a disability, can I still apply?

South Wales Police welcomes applications from people with disabilities as defined by Equality Act 2010 i.e. a person is disabled under this Act if they have a physical or mental impairment, which has a substantial and long-term (over 12 months) adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day to day activities.

If you consider yourself to have a disability, please inform us of the type of adjustments you might need to assist you in participating in the recruitment and selection process. South Wales Police will try to make the reasonable adjustments required where practicable.

Please note that once a conditional job offer has been made, an applicant will be asked to complete a functional assessment form and attend a health screening where appropriate, which will require them to meet the health criteria intrinsic to the functions of that role where specified with or without reasonable adjustment.

Is there a height restriction for CDOs?

No, there is no minimum or maximum height.

What happens if my application is unsuccessful?

If unfortunately you do not pass the initial application stage, we will notify you by post. You can reapply to join South Wales Police (for the same role) six months from the date of your notification letter, but only if we are currently recruiting.

I failed the assessment centre – what happens next?

If, unfortunately, you do not pass the assessment centre stage, we will notify you by post/email. You can reapply to join South Wales Police six months from the date of your notification letter, but only if we are currently recruiting.

I have a criminal record. Does this mean I cannot apply?

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. When making our decisions we are guided by Home Office Circular 2/2011.



What opportunities are there for career progression if I join as a CDO?

A number of CDO’s leave to become Police Community Support Officers and Police Officers, and the skills you acquire as a CDO will help you in your application.

If you do not want to become a Police Officer or PCSO but wish to progress as a Police Staff member, there are a number of varied roles in the organisation including:

Management

Directors e.g. Finance, Human Resources, Legal ServicesTeam Leaders e.g. Administration, Estate Management, Finance, Human Resources, Scientific Investigation Unit etc.

Professional

Estates and TradesFinance – AccountancyForensic Science – Scenes of Crime, Fingerprints, Photography, DNA Testing, FootwearHuman Resources including Learning and DevelopmentLegalPublic RelationsIT

AdministrativeBusiness ManagersGeneral ManagersClerical Officers

Where can I find further information regarding the process?

Please visit our website:

http://www.south-wales.police.uk/apply-for-a-job/



The Equality Act 2010 requires that all disabled applicants who meet the basic criteria for a job are interviewed and considered on their abilities. This demonstrates our commitment and responsibility to the Disability Confident symbol and Single Equality Scheme 2010.


about south wales police · web viewsouth wales police welcomes applications from people with...

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