Role Profile: Civilian Detention Escort Officer
Main Purpose of Role: / To assist the PSNI with duties relating to the detention, security, welfare and administration of pre and post charge detained persons in police custody.Reports to: / resource Team Leader/ Service Delivery Manager
This profile incorporates the details of this post to reflect the Police Service’s responsibility to deliver policing with the Community.
Behavioural CompetenciesThe role holder is required to display the following competencies in this role in the delivery of the service to the community:
Role Profile: Civilian Detention Escort Officer
Effective communication / Speaks clearly, concisely, and does not use jargon. Uses plain language and correct grammar. Listens carefully to understand.Collaborative Teamwork / Works effectively as a team member and helps build relationships within it. Actively helps and supports others to achieve team goals.
Problem Solving / Gathers enough relevant information to understand specific issues and events. Uses information to identify problems and draw logical conclusions. Makes good decisions.
Planning and Organising / Plans and carries out activities in an orderly and well-structured way. Prioritises tasks, uses time in the best possible way, and works within appropriate policy and procedures.
Community and Customer Focus / Provides a high level of service to customers. Maintains contact with customers, works out what they need and responds to them.
Respect and Integrity / Understands other people’s views and takes them into account. Is tactful and diplomatic when dealing with people, treating them with dignity and respect at all times. Understands and is sensitive to social, cultural and racial differences.
Personal Responsibility / Takes personal responsibility for own actions and for sorting out issues or problems that arise. Is focused on achieving results to required standards and developing skills and knowledge.
Activities
The role holder is required to effectively deliver the following key requirements:
· Customer service;· Complete administration procedures;
· Maintain a record management system;
· Input, present and retrieve data using a computer;
· Review, retain and dispose of records and information;
· Photocopy, present and distribute documents;
· Process incoming telephone calls;
· Participate in meetings – Custody Specific;
· Manage and support diary events;
· Gather information to support action of Custody Sergeant; / · Evaluate information to support action of Custody Sergeant;
· Make best use of technology;
· Maintain standards of professional practice;
· Maintain standards for security of Police information;
· Comply with Health and Safety Legislation;
· Comply with Data Protection Act 1998;
· Comply with PSNI standing orders;
· Promote equality, diversity and Human Rights in working practices;
· Work as part of a team;
· Provide an effective response recognising the needs of all customers within the custody suites.
Main Duties and Responsibilities of Role
· Assist in the booking in of evidence of detainees 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 ACPO Guidance on Safer Detention & Handling of Persons in Police Custody and Service Policy;
· Assist in the preparation, completion and administration of all documentation, information and computer records/ systems relating to persons in custody including:
o booking in prisoners;
o custody and detention records including UKBA;
o completion of charge details;
o recording the initial risk assessment of prisoner;
o searching and updating NICHE;
o management of property and bail records;
o daily prisoner returns and administration for court;
o warrants;
o performance indicators and statistical returns;
o filing systems;
o CRO (Criminal Records Office) checks and all other identification/background checks and associated forms
o Creating and recording PER (Prisoner Escort Record);
o Administration for Court.
· Carry out any necessary enquiries relating to the detained person and ensure that the Custody Officer is notified accordingly;
· Apply control restraint techniques 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 completed and the subsequent issue of any medication prescribed; facilitate the safe administration of self-medication by detained persons as instructed;
· Highlight any warnings/flags / risks or issues relevant to the detainee that has/is pertinent to the well being of the Detainee and inform persons who may come in contact with the detainee whilst being cognisant of confidentiality, Data Protection and Freedom of Information legislation;
· Conduct/direct searches of detained persons where authorised, and ensure all property is searched and correctly recorded in accordance with current policy and legislation;
· Receive detained persons property brought into the custody suite by other persons and record this in the custody record after property has been searched;
· Conduct/direct searches of cells and all rooms within the custody suite to ensure no articles are present that could be used to harm themselves 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;
· Carry out ‘cell refresh’ duties;
· Liaise, as required, with authorised contacts such as solicitors, doctors, custody visitors, appropriate adults, interpreters and relatives of detainees, notify the Custody Officer of all relevant information and ensure that custody records are kept accurate and up to date;
· 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 persons wishes under the direction of the Custody Officer;
· Visit detainees as required by PACE/ other relevant legislation and policies and ensure that their welfare is being maintained; notify the Custody Officer if there is any change in the condition/ demeanour of a prisoner, particularly with vulnerable or at risk detainees. Inform the custody officer immediately if there is any incident regarding the detained person or the custody environment;
· Carry out initial assessment of risk and take action to minimise risk to the detained person, self and others;
· Complete electronic records relating to detention/charge/release of detained persons as directed;
· Escort and supervise detainees when they are outside their cells within the confines of the station as directed by the Custody Sergeant;
· Escort prisoners under the direction of the Custody Sergeant, including possible driving to Courts via use of cell van;
· Supply replacement clothing to the detained person as required and store the removed clothing;
· Order and supply meals to persons in custody in accordance with food hygiene standards; remove the remains of meals supplied from cells of persons still in detention;
· Control stores and 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 person’s clothing, footwear, bedding, towels, meals and all consumable items. Identify re-order requirements, for approval to replenish stock. Produce an end of month inventory report;
· Prepare and record numbers of blankets, towels and clothes items for collection and return by the Laundry Service provider;
· Validating results on Livescan and completion of associated processes;
· Carry out all functional Inspections related to custody as directed by the either the Custody Officer or other police officer;
· Carry out all functional Inspections related to custody as directed by the either the Custody Officer or other police officer;
· Monitor CCTV systems, bringing any immediate concerns regarding Detainees welfare or any other activity that is untoward to the attention of the Custody Officer;
· 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, DVDs etc;
· Adhere to and follow all lawful guidance and directions of the Custody Officer.
The above reflects the main elements associated with this role; it is not intended to be exclusive or exhaustive
Person Specification
AREA / ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLEQualifications / 3 GCSEs, (or equivalent qualification) grade C or above and must include English and Maths
Knowledge and Experience / · Previous experience of working in a large-scale organisation dealing with the public
· Strong customer focus in delivering and improving services
· Administrative duties
· Collating and examining information
Skills and Abilities / · Proficient in use of Microsoft Office
· Collating and examining information
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
· Working to strict timelines
· Attention to detail
· Maintaining accurate records
· Problem solving and decision making
· Working as part of a team
Competencies / · Communication
· Understanding the business
· Problem solving and decision making
Additional Information
All successful applicants will be required to undergo the PSNI security screening process known as Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) and complete and pass a 6 week training programme; a conditional offer of employment can only be made once the PSNI have confirmed that both the CTC and training programme have been successfully completed. Thereafter refresher training will be provided by the PSNI and must be completed successfully on-line.
Applicants will also be required to undertake a routine medical examination and vaccination programme.