Custody Sergeant

Division / Department - Criminal Justice

Status - Full Time or Happy to Talk Flexible Working

Contract Type - Permanent

Rank - Sergeant

Location - Multiple Locations (see advert)

Chief Constables' Message

We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe. We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you. We wish you all the very best with your application.

The Role & Key Responsibilities

Applications are invited from Sergeants, who are substantive in post, for an exciting opportunity in Custody. Sussex Police has Custody Centres in Worthing, Crawley, Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings. We are currently recruiting for Worthing, Brighton and Crawley. This is a unique role, where you will perform the PACE functions of a Custody Officer and ensure APP Detention & Custody Compliance. You will be working in a busy partnership environment with partners such as Mitie Medical, Defence Solicitors, Courts, SLDS and other external agencies. You will also work closely with Divisional Staff to maintain efficient management of detainees whilst also ensuring detainee safeguarding, treating them in accordance with legislation and guidance. You will need to be comfortable in using the tools available; the NDM and THRIVE, which will help you to understand the problem, assess the risk and tackle the issues. All successful candidates will complete a 4 week Custody training course prior to performing the role of a Custody Officer. This course will include Mod 3 First Aid and a P.N.C. course in order to become an authorised user.

Key Responsibilities

• To lead a team, managing their welfare and ensuring high levels of motivation.
• To monitor and manage the performance of the team, identify and address issues and improve team/individual performance, ensuring adherence to professional standards.
• To assess individual capabilities and development needs and agree appropriate development plans to enable high performance and potential progression.
• To co-ordinate the work of the team, directing activities, monitoring progress and managing competing demands and priorities to ensure the best use of available resources.
• To supervise and monitor the handling of information and record keeping, ensuring alignment with legislation, policies and guidance.
• To monitor and report on team expenditure to ensure the efficient use of available budgets and maximise value for money.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of existing processes and practices within own area of work in order to identify and implement opportunities for change and innovation and enable continuous improvement.

Skills & Experience

All custody officers must have a sound working knowledge of law and procedures, in particular the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and the procedures and practices prescribed therein. They should also have a good knowledge of the Human Rights Act in relation to Custody. The following are considered essential for the effective performance of the role:

• The ability to research legislation, advise staff and members of the public in relation to all Custody issues.
• The possession of good interpersonal and administrative skills.
• The ability to work under pressure, manage their time and use planning skills.
• The ability to work with the minimum of supervision.
• The ability to make decisions that will withstand scrutiny.
• The ability to acquire skills to use, and interrogate computer systems in use in the force.

It is desirable to have experience supervising others. A working knowledge of the conditions of employment of the police staff employed in the Custody Suites, and an understanding of the Accreditation process.

Why Work With Us?

What Sussex Police can offer you:

• National Salary plus £2,000 per annum South East allowance.
• 22 days per year annual leave, rising to 30 days (based on full time) a year depending on your length of service.
• Opportunity to progress through the ranks and/or specialise in an area of policing that interests you most.
• Highly competitive pension scheme.
• An Employee Assistance Programme for advice and counselling covering a range of health, well-being and lifestyle topics.
• Access to discounts, savings and cash back rewards including travel subsidiaries, an eye care scheme and more.
• Progressive approach to flexible working, enhanced maternity and paternity leave and potential for a career break (after two years’ service).
• Opportunities to join various support networks, staff associations and sports clubs.
• Access to subsidised gym (depending on location).

We are only as good as our people. It's important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that as an organisation we'll grow from the variety of thinking, approach, and the skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a better policing service. We strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit is open and accessible to all. We have multiple staff support groups who help to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work. We are proud members of Disability Confident, hold Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status, are a signatory of the Race at Work Charter and are aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement. We are committed to being an anti-racist police service. We promise to challenge injustice, ensure fairness and to uphold anti-racist principles in both our organisation and our communities. We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status, or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.

Following submission of your application you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application attached. Occasionally emails from this address can fall into spam/junk folders so please ensure this is checked regularly. You may wish to consider adding noreply@surreysussexpolice.as.recruitmail.com to your address/contact list to ensure you receive all communications.

Location: Multiple Locations (see advert)