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- Tasks: Support the Custody Sergeant in managing detained persons and ensuring their welfare.
- Company: Join a vital role within the police force, making a difference in your community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, shift premiums, and opportunities for overtime.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that ensures safety and justice while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and ability to handle challenging situations.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with potential for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 26449 - 28094 £ per year.
The Custody 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.
The successful candidates will be required to work shifts, including weekends and bank holidays. This role operates on one of two 12-hour shift patterns, worked over either a 4 or 8-week cycle. Both patterns attract a 20% shift disturbance allowance and an additional premium for all Saturday and Sunday shifts worked. Any future changes to the shift pattern will result in a corresponding adjustment to the allowance. 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: £26,449 - £28,094 plus £1422 environmental allowance and premiums for shift and weekend working.
Main Activities:
- Liaise 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.
- Order and supply meals to detained persons in accordance with food hygiene standards.
- 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 Practices.
- 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.
- Escort and supervise detained persons when they are outside their cell.
Person Specification:
Essential Skills and Experience:
- Ability to communicate effectively.
- Conflict resolution skill.
- Organisational skills including the ability to manage and prioritise work.
- Decision-making and problem solving skills.
- Ability to work under pressure with a strong focus on delivering and improving customer services.
- Resilience when dealing with difficult situations demonstrating courtesy, fairness and respect to a diverse range of customers.
The role holder must successfully complete PSNI Custody courses and must be 18 years of age upon appointment.
Essential Other:
- IT literate specifically in the use of the Microsoft Office suite.
- The successful candidate must have access to a form of transport which will enable them to fulfil the responsibilities of the job in full.
Shortlisting will be carried out based on essential criteria. Successful applicants will be retained on a merit list for future opportunities arising.
Custody Detention Officer employer: The Police Service of Northern Ireland
Contact Detail:
The Police Service of Northern Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Custody Detention Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Custody Detention Officer. This way, when you get that interview, you can show off your knowledge and passion for the job.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former Custody Detention Officers on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and maybe even refer you to opportunities. Plus, it shows you're serious about the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to conflict resolution and decision-making. Role-play with a friend or use our resources to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Custody Detention Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Custody Detention Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key in this role, be sure to provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and effectively, especially in challenging situations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you've got experience in similar roles or environments, make it shine! Talk about your conflict resolution skills and how you've managed pressure before. This will help us see how you'd fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Police Service of Northern Ireland
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Custody Detention Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key duties like monitoring detainee welfare and conducting searches. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in this role. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully communicated with diverse groups or resolved conflicts. This will demonstrate your ability to handle sensitive situations and interact with detainees, solicitors, and other professionals.
✨Demonstrate Resilience and Problem-Solving
The environment can be challenging, so be ready to discuss how you've managed pressure in previous roles. Think of specific instances where you had to make quick decisions or resolve issues on the spot. Highlighting your resilience will show that you can handle the demands of the job.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions during the interview. Practice responding to hypothetical situations related to detainee management or conflict resolution. This will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills, which are essential for a Custody Detention Officer.
