Vacancy Information
We are going through considerable modernisation to transform what we do, how we operate to the highest standards, and how we improve our service to local communities. We see a police officer's role as a role which is more than working to reduce crime. It is now just as much about reducing the fear of crime, working in partnership with communities to make a real difference and improve the quality of life for everyone.
Our Chief Constable's vision for policing in Sussex in 2020 sees us 'protecting our communities, prioritising those who are most vulnerable to harm, and being relentless in the pursuit of criminals, as well as operating efficiently to a reduced budget and being a modern, trusted workforce with integrity at our core'.
Sussex is one of the largest counties in the UK, and is divided into three Divisions, Brighton & Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex. The vibrant City of Brighton & Hove is a lively, diverse and rapidly expanding city, which boasts good transport links to the capital. The county also has a varied mix of smaller coastal towns and different rural communities, with some of England's most attractive countryside. Towards the north of Sussex the UK's second largest airport, Gatwick, can be found, which sees millions of passengers each year travelling to around 200 destinations worldwide.
We are currently looking for officers to fill vacancies at Hastings Custody.
The Role
Applications are invited from Sergeants, who are substantive in post, for an exciting opportunity in Custody to fill predicted vacancies.
Sussex Police has Custody Centres in Worthing, Crawley, Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings.
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.
Custody Centres work a 12 hour shift pattern, working 4 days on and 4 days off – please see shift pattern attached.
Please note the role is subject to an 18 month tenure period.
Key Responsibilities
Implement all relevant legislation and apply policies and procedures to ensure high standards of security and safety are maintained within the custody suite.
Assist in the accurate and prompt maintenance of custody records to ensure the integrity of data held and compliance with PACE and other legislation, and national and local guidance
Recognise and review all factors relating to the dignity and wellbeing of detainees to ensure these issues are given due consideration at all states of their detention and release or transfer
Oversee/manage the process of completing antecedent forms, obtain fingerprints, photographs, and DNA as well as other biometric samples from detained persons.
Oversee/manage the process of physical searching of detainees, retaining and recording personal possessions and ensuring compliance with legislation and national and local policies and procedures.
Undertake reviews of detention, chasing progress of investigation, reporting information to the PACE Inspector to ensure detainees are dealt with in line with legislation, including appropriate release under investigation (RUI), bail and disposal decisions.
Work with partners to ensure the movement and care of detainees are met and comply with legislative and national and local procedures
Undertake ongoing risk assessments of all detainees entering the custody suite in order to mitigate threat, risk and harm to detainees and custody staff.
Undertake a risk assessment prior to the release of all detainees to mitigate threat, risk and harm to detainees and the wider public.
Supervise the custody suite team, managing their wellbeing, welfare and development, and ensuring high levels of motivation to ensure the effective running of a custody suite.
Skills & Experience
Proven ability to manage both vulnerable and difficult individuals, respecting their rights and dignity while ensuring compliance with reasonable and lawful requests and requirements
Ability to interrogate both electronic and paper records to obtain information concerning persons in custody
Ability to accurately and methodically complete specified records and documentation both electronically and manually.
Ability to process information in order to make valid decisions
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely at all levels, often under stressful conditions
Must be fully operational and capable of assisting in restraint of violent persons in a manner which minimises risks to detainees and other occupants of the custody suites.
What Sussex can offer you
• National Salary plus £1,500 South East allowance
• Police pension
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) covering a range of health, wellbeing and lifestyle issues
• Support and advice from Occupational Health and a range of staff associations and access to a range of services
• Charitable Trust and Police Mutual
• Access to subsidised gym (depending on location)
• Staff Support Networks which include: Evolve, Race Equality Network, Sussex Police LGBT Network and ENABLE
• Sussex Police Disability & Carers Association
• Lifestyle Discounts which include travel subsidiaries, an eye care scheme and more
Diversity Statement
Surrey Police and Sussex Police are committed to providing quality in the service we deliver, the career opportunities we offer our people and to increase the diversity of our workforce to reflect the community we serve.
We value diversity and inclusion and want to attract the best people for the roles available regardless of age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, disability, social status and religious beliefs.
We want to do all we can to encourage fair and inclusive opportunities, helping us to ensure that all individuals are properly supported and represented.
We are committed to the elimination of unfair discrimination and we are determined to ensure that all or employees receive fair and equitable treatment.
We are particularly keen to hear from applicants who are from different ethnic backgrounds and experiences.
Contact Details
Should you have any queries please contact:
Chief Inspector Mark Evans on Mark.j.evans@sussex.pnn.police.uk
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