JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Civilian Detention Officer
Grade: SGB1
Reports to: Custody Sergeant
Job Summary:
The Civilian Detention Officer’s (CDO) primary purpose is to assist the Custody Sergeant in the effective and efficient detention and administration of pre and post charge detained persons in police custody. The CDO will assist in ensuring the welfare and safety of detained persons and Custody staff. In doing so, the role holder will often be required to exercise reasonable force and restraint, in what is a physically demanding environment.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Coordination Liaise, as required, with authorised contacts such as solicitors, doctors, custody visitors, appropriate adults, interpreters and relatives of detainees and notify the Custody Officer of all relevant information and ensure that custody records are kept accurate and up to date. Conduct/direct searches of detained persons where authorised, and ensure all property is correctly recorded in accordance with current policy and legislation. Carry out any necessary enquiries relating to the detained person and ensure that the Custody Officer is notified accordingly. Conduct/direct searches of cells and all rooms within the custody suite to ensure no articles are present that could be used to harm detained persons or others. Remove items from cells that a detained person has left after their detention and ensure all unnecessary items are removed from all rooms and disposed of accordingly. Undertake a range of sampling and testing procedures such as fingerprinting, drug testing, DNA, non-intimate samples, footwear photographing of detained persons and any other additional identification as directed by the Custody Officer. Take identification imagery.
1 HRCDO1817 Order and supply meals to detained persons in accordance with food hygiene standards. Remove the remains of meals supplied from cells of persons still in detention. Validate results on the Livescan system. Receive detained persons’ property brought into the custody suite by other persons and record this in the custody record and store in accordance with suite protocols Supply replacement clothing to the detained person as required and store the removed clothing. Create, update and review any warnings, flags, risks or issues relevant to the detainee that has/is pertinent to the well-being of the detained persons and inform persons who may come in contact with the detainee whilst being cognisant of confidentiality, Data Protection and Freedom of Information legislation.
Administration Complete electronic records relating to detention/charge/release of detained persons as directed. Assist in prisoner processes, in line with procedures outlined in the Police and Criminal Evidence Northern Ireland Order 1989 (PACE), the Terrorism Act 2000, the Crime Sentences Act and NPCC Authorised Professional Practises. Assist in the preparation, completion and administration of all documentation, information and computer records/systems relating to persons in, or who have been in, custody including booking in of detained persons, custody and detention records including UKBA, immigration and Command & Control Complete charge details, carry out initial assessment of risk and take action to minimise risk to the detained person, self and others. Search, update and maintain records and systems including filing systems, NICHE, property and bail records, warrants, performance indicators Criminal Records Office (CRO) checks and all other identification/background checks and associated forms, creating and recording Prisoner Escort Record (PER) forms, and make statistical returns and undertake administration for Court. Control stores, maintain stock records and maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards in relation to the kitchen, storage area and equipment used for the preparation of meals. Monitor and record stock levels of detained persons’ clothing, footwear, bedding, towels, meals and all consumable items. Identify re-order requirements for approval to replenish stock and produce an end of month inventory report.
2 HRCDO1817 Prepare and record numbers of blankets, towels and clothes items for collection and return by the laundry service provider. Order, and verify against invoices, various miscellaneous items required for the day to day running of the custody suite e.g. property bags, DNA kits, evidence bags, weapon tubes, interview tapes etc. Adhere to and follow all lawful guidance and directions of the Custody Officer. CCTV Custody downloading for use by PSNI/PONI. Carry out cell refresh duties at the direction of the Custody Sergeant and to the agreed standard. Carry out all functional inspections related to custody as directed by the either the Custody Officer or other police officer.
Monitoring Monitor CCTV systems, bringing any immediate concerns regarding detained persons’ welfare or any other activity that is untoward to the attention of the Custody Officer. Visit detained persons as required by PACE/other relevant legislation and policies to ensure that their welfare is maintained and notify the Custody Officer/Inspector if there is any change in the condition/demeanour of a detained person, particularly with regard to vulnerable or ‘at risk’ detained persons. Inform the Custody Officer immediately if there is any incident regarding the detained person or the custody environment and ensure records are continually updated.
Escorting Escort and supervise detained persons when they are outside their cell. Apply control restraint techniques if required in accordance with training, legislation and policy and with consideration for the security and safety of the detained person, self and others. Arrange and accompany visits from the Police Forensic Medical Officer (FMO)/Healthcare professional, ensuring that all records are fully completed. Dispense prescribed medication as directed by the FMO, facilitate the safe administration of self-medication by detained persons as instructed and store medication. Escort and supervise authorised visits into the complex such as those by solicitors, appropriate adults, interpreters and custody visitors. Facilitate the custody visitors’ requirements in line with the detained person’s wishes under the direction of the Custody Officer. Escort detained persons including possible driving to Courts, prison, hospitals and other police sites via use of cell van.
3 HRCDO1817 The main duties and responsibilities reflect the main elements of those associated with the position. This list is not intended to be exclusive or exhaustive. Posts vary in content depending on particular circumstances and areas of work. Different posts therefore will contain different combinations of the above activities. Some posts will contain only a few main activities; others may contain a wider range. Actual activities may vary over time, and from post to post, depending on priorities and circumstances.
4 HRCDO1817 PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION
Job Title: Civilian Detention Officer
Department: District Policing CATEGORY ESSENTIAL
Qualifications 5 GCSEs (Grade C or above) Must include Maths and English Language. (or equivalent) Experience Experience must include:
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Strong communication skills and the ability to manage conflict.. Organisational skills including the ability to manage and prioritise work. Sound working knowledge of IT applications e.g. Word, Outlook and Excel. Good decision making and problem solving skills. Ability to work under pressure with a strong focus on delivering and improving customer services. Resilience when progressing incidents, providing a professional and assertive approach to the diversity of customers that come in contact within the Custody environment.
Specialist Skills IT literate specifically in the use of the Microsoft Office suite (including MS Word, MS PowerPoint and MS Outlook.) 5 HRCDO1817 Full current driving licence that enables you to drive in Northern Ireland and a car available for official business use or access to a form of personal transport that will enable you to meet the requirements of the post in full.
Short listing will be carried out on essential criteria followed by a test and interview phase. The role holder would also be expected to successfully complete PSNI Custody courses.
6 HRCDO1817 Accountability Demonstrates a real belief in public service, focusing on what matters to the public and will best serve their Serving the interests. Understands the expectations, changing needs and concerns of different communities, and strives public to address them. Builds public confidence by talking with people in local communities to explore their viewpoints, share what we are doing and break down barriers between them and the police. Welcomes being held to account and understands the impact and 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.
Positive about change, adapting rapidly to different ways of working and putting effort into making them work. Openness to Flexible and open to alternative approaches to solving problems. Finds better, more cost effective ways to do change thing, making suggestions for change and putting forward ideas for improvement. Takes an innovative approach to solving problems.
Understands the organisation's objectives and priorities, and how own work fits into these. Plans and Service Delivery organises tasks effectively, taking a structured and methodical approach to achieving outcomes. Manages multiple tasks effectively by thinking things through in advance, prioritising and managing time well. Focuses on the outcomes to be achieved, working quickly and accurately and seeking guidance when appropriate.
Acts fairly and with integrity, in line with the values and ethical standards of the Police Service. Takes Professionalism ownership for resolving problems, demonstrates courtesy, respect and resilience in dealing with difficult and Courtesy, potentially volatile situations. Acts on own initiative to address issues, showing a strong work ethic and Fairness & demonstrating extra effort when required. Upholds professional standards, acting honestly and ethically, and Respect challenges unprofessional conduct or discriminatory behaviour. Asks for and acts on feedback, learning from experience and developing own professional skills and knowledge. Remains calm and professional under pressure, defusing conflict and being prepared to step forward and take control when required.
7 HRCDO1817 Collaborative Decision Gathers, verifies and assesses all appropriate and available information to gain an accurate understanding of Decision Making situations. Considers a range of possible options before making clear, timely, justifiable decisions. Reviews Making decisions in the light of new information and changing circumstances. Balances risks, costs and benefits, thinking about the wider impact of decisions. Exercises discretion and applies professional judgement, ensuring actions and decisions are proportionate and in the public interest.
Works co-operatively with others to get things done, willingly giving help and support to colleagues. Is Working with approachable, developing positive working relationships.. Explains things well, focusing on the key points and others talking to people using language they understand. 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 addresses their specific needs and concerns. Treats people with respect and dignity, dealing with them fairly and without prejudice regardless of their background or circumstances
8 GENERAL INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS
Job Title: Civilian Detention Officer
Location: Vacancies may exist across districts throughout Northern Ireland
Department: District Policing The successful candidates will be required to work shifts, including weekends Current Shift Patterns include 12 hour shifts working 4 on and 4 off. Hours of Work: Shift patterns vary by location and are subject to review There may be a requirement to work overtime as necessary There will be requirement to work within custody suites at other locations possibly at short notice.
Salary: £19,811 - £22,514
Generous Pension Scheme. The Board operates a Voluntary Contributory Pension Scheme: Pension Scheme. Full details will be provided to successful candidates
Sick Pay Scheme: An occupational sick pay scheme is in operation
Environmental £574 per annum Allowance:
Allowances The post may also attract shift related allowances
Annual Leave: 25 days rising to 30 days after 5 years service plus 12 statutory holidays
9 Successful candidates, upon appointment, will be a direct recruit of the Police Service of Northern Ireland. As such the position is subject to successful Police and Security vetting.
Paragraph 8 of Schedule 3 to the Police Act states a person is disqualified from being an independent member of a District Policing Partnership if he/she is (b) a member of the police support staff.
Additional Successful candidates may on occasions be required to travel throughout Information and outside of Northern Ireland for business purposes.
Successful candidates will receive full training on all police systems. required for the role
Confirmation of appointment will be subject to successful completion of the initial Civilian Detention Officer 5 week training course.
10 Substance Misuse As an employer, PSNI is required to provide a safe working Testing environment and safe systems of working for both employees and those who are not in their employment but with whom they come into contact. This includes ensuring that staff are fit to carry out their duties safely and effectively.
Given the growing problem with substance misuse within our society, PSNI must recognise that this is a culture that has the potential to impact upon PSNI as an organisation. Misuse of any substance impairs judgement, slows reactions and increases the potential for risk of injury to staff and others. In addition the use of illicit substances provides increased opportunity for compromise through either coercion or inducement, leaving staff and the PSNI vulnerable and bringing into question the integrity of individuals.
As a result the PSNI is introducing a substance misuse policy which includes testing of biological material for history of use of substances listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Therefore, all successful applicants will be required to undergo a drug screening test prior to being offered an appointment as a police staff member with the PSNI. The biological material to be sampled as part of the pre- appointment process will usually be hair. Those who return a positive result will not be offered an appointment within PSNI. Refusal to offer an appointment will not prevent applicants from applying for future recruitment processes for PSNI.
The substance misuse testing will be managed by an independent contractor.
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