Custody Officer: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Custody Officer
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Practice Now »What is a Custody Officer?
As a Custody Officer, you would be responsible for the welfare of individuals who have been arrested and are being held in police custody. This includes making sure their rights are met, their health and safety is looked after, undertaking risk assessments and ensuring proper documentation is maintained.
Skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to remain calm and composed in high-pressure situations
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Attention to detail and ability to follow procedures accurately
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations
- Physical fitness and stamina for handling physical tasks
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
- Strong ethical and moral values
Qualifications & Education
- No academic requirements for entry to civilian police in the UK
- Eligibility criteria vary across individual police forces
- Entrants must sit an entry test
- Entrants must pass a medical examination
- All police officers undergo a two year probationary training period
- Residency, nationality, and age restrictions apply
- Background security checks are carried out in respect of entrants
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
No, specific qualifications are not required to be a detention officer in the UK. Life skills such as good communication, record-keeping, common sense, resilience, and a desire to maintain a safe environment are more important for this role.
To become a custody officer in the UK, you need to complete a five-week training course and then undergo a mentorship period in custody. Regular refresher days focusing on first aid and personal safety training are also required. This role can provide valuable insight into policing and offers opportunities for career progression.
Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Custody Officer mock interview, under 10 minutes
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