The provision of a 24hr 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 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 & appropriately trained Detention Officers at eight (8) specified Custody Suites located throughout the Force both planned & unplanned staff absence at no additional cost to the Authority. > The Contractor shall also appoint sufficient Supervisors/Managers to support the Detention Officers in 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 & unplanned operations & 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 & ops.

It is envisaged that the tasks to be undertaken by Detention Officers will include (but not be limited to): - Under the control & direction of a Custody Officer, the reception, detention & disposal of detainees & other attendees including the return of suspects on police bail in accordance with The Police & Criminal Evidence Act Codes of Practice & legislation referred to therein and the Authorised Professional Practice (formerly Safer Detention & Handling of Persons in Police Custody Guidance) & any subsequent amendments, superseding Acts or cross-references > Complete & maintain timely thorough & accurate paper & electronic records > Retrieve, request & act upon information from electronic records & other information sources > The efficient & 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 & other samples as appropriate under the Police & Criminal Evidence Act 1984 to facilitate identification > Using electronic & traditional wet print equipment as appropriate > Use of image capture > Taking of DNA samples & the handling & 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 & image capture systems within the custody function > Searching of visitors & property, escorting as required, in accordance with Force Security arrangements > The secure movement of detainees > Attend Court & give evidence > Downloading CCTV images, as required