Overview
Transferee Police Sergeant - Custody role at Surrey and Sussex Police.
Vacancy information and team context are provided to illustrate the opportunity and environment within which the role operates.
The Role And Key Responsibilities
Applications are invited from Sergeants, who are substantive in post, for an exciting opportunity in Custody, where the goal is to ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of all in our care, while upholding professionalism, integrity, and accountability. We are committed to supporting the force in relentlessly pursuing criminals by providing a safe, efficient, and respectful custody service, protecting both detainees and staff.
Surrey Police has Custody Centres in Guildford (GU1), Staines (TW18) and Salfords (RH1) and we are currently recruiting to develop a pool ahead of our next planned Custody Officer training course in April 2026.
This is a unique role, where you will perform the PACE functions of a Custody Officer and ensure compliance with APP Detention & Custody.
You will be working in a busy partnership environment with external partners such as Healthcare Professionals, Defence Solicitors, HMCTS, Liaison and Diversion Services and others. You will also work closely with colleagues from other divisions and departments to ensure efficient management of detainees whilst ensuring their wellbeing, treating them in accordance with legislation and guidance. You will need to be comfortable in using tools available including the NDM to understand problems, assess risk and tackle issues.
All successful candidates will complete a 4-week Custody training course, which regularly receives very positive feedback, prior to undertaking a mentored period in the role of a Custody Officer ahead of independent accreditation. Current or previously trained Custody Officers joining on transfer will be provided with a training needs analysis and bespoke training on local policies, where possible.
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.
* Good interpersonal and administrative skills.
* Ability to effectively supervise and support direct reports and colleagues.
* Ability to work under pressure, manage time and use planning skills.
* Ability to work with the minimum of supervision.
* Ability to make, articulate and record decisions that will withstand scrutiny.
* Ability to acquire skills to use and interrogate computer systems in use in the force (including Niche RMS).
* Ability to research legislation, advise staff and members of the public in relation to all Custody issues.
* Ability to acquire a working knowledge of the conditions of employment of police staff in the Custody Suites, and an understanding of the accreditation process.
Why Work With Us?
We offer a wide range of benefits including a healthcare programme, gym classes and flexible working. We also offer discounts with local and national organisations, and leisure benefits such as free or discounted bus and rail travel. The Regional allowance for Surrey Police is £3000 per annum (paid monthly) and upon joining you’ll also be eligible for a fuel allowance (£76.67 per month).
To Apply To Transfer To Surrey Police, You Must
* Be a substantive officer (at appropriate rank) and not subject to a probationary period.
* Be a serving police officer in a Home Office Force.
* Pass the necessary vetting, occupational health and fitness checks; such checks will not be carried out until after a successful interview.
* Have no outstanding discipline, integrity or performance issues.
* Have resided in the UK for three years immediately prior to submitting your application, or be able to provide a certificate of good conduct from the relevant country.
* Have a full UK manual driving licence, with fewer than 6 penalty points.
* Not be a current or previous member of a proscribed terrorist organisation or group.
* Declare any business interest and any membership or involvement with the reserve Forces.
* Not have tattoos which could cause offence.
* Not have any existing County Court Judgements (CCJs) outstanding against you or have registered bankrupt and not have been discharged for at least three years.
Further Information
Transferees into custody will be able to apply for other opportunities after 24 months within custody.
Diversity Statement
We are only as good as our people. It is 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. For more information, you can read our full anti-racism statement here. 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. Please use the following links to find out more on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Surrey Police and Sussex Police.
Additional Information
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 to your address/contact list to ensure you receive all communications.
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