Reliance – Giving Detention Officers designated status

Our customer
Warwickshire Police began using Reliance to provide Custody Assistants in June 2006. Following consultation with Warwickshire Police, all Custody Assistants were granted ‘designated status’ under the Police Reform Act 2002; thus transferring all Custody Assistants to Detention Officers. Each Detention Officer is based at one of the three custody centres within the Police area, but is able to travel to any of the centres as dictated by the requirements of Warwickshire Police.

Focus on Quality
Through detailed key performance indicator reporting Reliance are able to demonstrate to Warwickshire a commitment to ongoing quality improvement. This can be demonstrated through the reporting of video witness errors, which have reduced from over 20% to a consistent level below 0.5%. This has been achieved through Reliance managers ensuring that each Detention Officer is fully trained and offered retraining and support throughout their daily routine.

Versatility
Each Reliance custody assistant works from a particular centre, but is trained to operate from any of the three; it means that our team is truly versatile and able to contribute 100% to the flexible requirements of the contract despite varying practices and procedures across the region.

Trusted custodians
All Reliance managers have completed a rigorous training programme that enables them to deliver the best coaching at site level. Our teams enjoy professional guidance and care without compromise. Custody Sergeants have also benefited from direct contact with our managers – demonstrating our cohesive professional bond with the police service, which is essential when working in a volatile environment. Our approach is all about achieving the highest standards and greatest efficiency in custodial support services, so that police officers can return to frontline duties. It is an approach that is tried and trusted.

Partnership Approach
As a team all members of Reliance have regular contact with Police Officers and staff. This has lead to Reliance managers attending regular meeting with senior Police Officers to discuss custodial issues and changes. Detention Officers also attend an annual custody input day with custody officers at Warwickshire Police’s dedicated training school where procedural and legislative changes are examined and discussed, and best practice agreed upon.

Ongoing Success
In 2009, Warwickshire Police’s nominated officer agreed to extend the contract for 3 years.