Custody services

Tender description

The provision of a 24 hr per day, 365 days per year (366 days per Leap Year) outsourced Custodial Service within the Thames Valley Police area. It should be noted that this represents the potential renewal of previous generation outsourcing with currently established staff who will be subject to TUPE arrangements. For the avoidance of doubt, the outsourced service being sought does not encompass the complete management of the Custody Function. The Contractor will provide adequately and appropriately trained Detention Officers at eight (8) specified Custody Suites located throughout the Force and as specified elsewhere in support of other events in accordance with Force requirement. The Custody estate is constantly under review to meet operational effectiveness targets so the Contractor must be able to redeploy staff within the Force area when necessary to provide the service at alternative sites due to operational need or during periods of refurbishment / improvement. Main Services to be provided Following Designation by the appropriate Chief Constable under Section 39 of the Police Reform Act 2002 and under the control and direction of a Custody Officer, the Contractor shall be required to provide Detention Officers who will ensure the care, welfare and secure detention of persons taken into Custody in accordance with (though not limited to): > The Police and Criminal Evidence Act Codes of Practice and legislation referred to therein; > Authorised Professional Practice (formerly the Safer Detention and Handling of Persons in Police Custody Guidance); > Drugs Act 2005; > Mental Health Act 1983; > Immigration Act 1971; > Health and Safety legislation; > Human Rights Act 1998; > Data Protection Act 1998; > Equalities Act 2010; > Force Defined Custody Policies and Procedures. > The Contractor shall be required to ensure a safe, efficient and effective custody system is maintained which complies with relevant legislation and policies, as above. > The Contractor will ensure staff are available to attend court as required without the reduction of core provision in the DO's. > The Contractor shall be expected to work with the Authority in the development & delivery of the Custody Service which will include but not be limited to providing clear and documented implementation planning and support. > The Contractor shall be required to complete custody-process related documentation procedures in a timely, accurate and agreed manner. > The Contractor will also be required to make available sufficient resource to provide resilience in the cover of both planned and unplanned staff absence at no additional cost to the Authority. > The Contractor shall also appoint sufficient Supervisors/Managers to support the Detention Officers in the performance of their duties at no additional cost to the Authority. > The Contractor shall also be required to provide Detention Officers for constant watches (also called cell watches) planned and unplanned operations and events whether at existing Custody suites or temporary/mobile Custody facilities. > The Contractor may be required to make available crewed vehicles on request to act as static holding facilities for detained persons awaiting transport to existing Custody Suites for events and ops. It is envisaged that the tasks to be undertaken by Detention Officers will include (but not be limited to): Under the control and direction of a Custody Officer, the reception, detention and disposal of detainees and other attendees including the return of suspects on police bail in accordance with The Police and Criminal Evidence Act Codes of Practice and legislation referred to therein and the Authorised Professional Practice (formerly Safer Detention and Handling of Persons in Police Custody Guidance) and any subsequent amendments, superseding Acts or cross-references. > Complete and maintain timely, thorough & accurate paper and electronic records. > Retrieve, request and act upon information from electronic records and other information sources. > The efficient and effective searching of detainees. > Maintain detailed information on the recording, storage, return or transfer of detainee's property. > Assist the Custody Officer in the processing of detainees. > Support the charging process, as directed. > To obtain fingerprints, photographs, footwear impressions and other samples as appropriate under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 to facilitate identification. > Using electronic and traditional wet print equipment as appropriate. > Use of image capture. > Taking of DNA samples and the handling and management of samples. > The testing of persons for the presence of specified class A drugs in line with Paragraph 17 Code C of PACE. > Management of fingerprint and image capture systems within the custody function. > Searching of visitors and property, escorting as required, in accordance with Force Security arrangements. > The secure movement of detainees > Attend Court and give evidence > Downloading CCTV images, as required.