Job Purpose
To provide strategic leadership and oversight of custody governance and operations across the force. The role ensures custody services are delivered in a safe, lawful, efficient, and high-performing manner, in line with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE), Authorised Professional Practice (APP), and guidance from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS). This includes contract and performance management, policy development, scrutiny of drug testing on arrest (DTOA), and the development of the Out of Court Resolution Team.
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Management
* Lead the strategic planning and delivery of custody services across the force.
* Provide governance and direction for custody operations aligned with national standards and legislation.
* Supervise the Central Custody and Out of Court Resolution Teams.
* Drive custody-related projects, policy development, and change initiatives.
* Oversee DTOA processes and policy compliance.
Governance & Compliance
* Ensure full compliance with PACE, Human Rights Act, Equality Act, and other relevant legislation.
* Maintain robust performance and compliance frameworks including audits, inspections, and risk assessments.
* Support ethical practice and professional standards across custody operations.
Performance & Quality Assurance
* Monitor custody suite performance data to identify trends and improvement areas.
* Analyse DTOA and Out of Court Resolution data to inform strategic decisions.
* Lead service redesign and innovation initiatives.
* Provide regular reports to senior leadership on custody performance and development.
Strategic Development
* Contribute to custody strategy and policy implementation.
* Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to shape service delivery.
* Promote innovation, digital transformation, and best practice in custody operations.
* Support workforce planning and training needs analysis.
Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement
* Act as liaison for custody matters with HMICFRS, OPCC, ICVs, healthcare providers, legal bodies, and safeguarding agencies.
* Represent the force at local, regional, and national custody forums.
* Foster multi-agency collaboration to enhance detainee care and service delivery.
Workforce Development
* Support professional development and accreditation pathways for custody staff.
* Promote a culture of excellence, wellbeing, and continuous learning.
* Ensure effective staffing models and succession planning.
Risk & Incident Management
* Lead strategic responses to serious incidents and complaints in custody.
* Ensure learning from incidents is embedded into practice and policy.
Other Duties
* Undertake additional duties as required within the scope of the department.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
* Uphold and promote the Force's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy in all aspects of the role.
Health & Safety
* Take reasonable care for own health and safety and that of others affected by work activities.
Culture, Values & Leadership
* Demonstrate the values and behaviours outlined in the Force's Culture Strategy.
* Model leadership in line with the Chief Constable's Leadership Deal.
Safeguarding
* Comply with Force policies and procedures regarding the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £50,088.00-£54,879.00 per year
Language:
* English (preferred)
Work Location: In person