• Over 30,000 detainees processed per annum
• Warranted officers released for frontline duties
• Fully trained professional workforce
• Reduced hostility levels in custody suites
• Increased efficiency
•  A 50:50 male:female team

“West Mercia Police enjoy an amicable, effective and rewarding partnership with Reliance in their provision of custody support services. There is a regular meeting structure and useful interim dialogue between both partners and a clear culture of continuing improvement. Detention Officers remain an integral part of the custody strategy and directly support our aim of keeping frontline officers visible in the community”
Chief Inspector Adam Thomas

Our customer
West Mercia Police was already in daily contact with Reliance through our Prisoner Escort and Custody Services (PECS) contract, which involved using the joint court and police custody centre in Hereford. By demonstrating our professionalism and thorough understanding of the processes and procedures, we were able to win West Mercia's confidence and the country’s first pilot custody management scheme was launched in 2000. We began police support services in the custody centre at Hereford, and then extended the scheme to also encompass the custody centres at Worcester and Droitwich.

Partnership
Our Contract Manager has an important role in monthly meetings with the custody user group; fully engaging in the partnership approach. On the agenda are topics such as new legislation and its impact and best practice initiatives. Reliance feedback on current working practices across the centres and our other police support contracts is always welcomed.

Versatility
Each Reliance custody assistant works from a particular centre, but is trained to operate from any of the six; 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.

Priceless experience
Our team’s operational methods have deep roots. They are based on the experience and knowledge gained by former police officers within the team, and so for example, take full account of risk elements within the custody environment. We also have the benefit of learning and sharing knowledge across six other police support contracts in the UK.

Trusted partners
In 2006 our team members were re-titled detention officers and The Chief Constable bestowed designated powers onto the Reliance team under the Police Reform Act 2002. This is a fitting testament to the trust and mutual success that Reliance and West Mercia Police have built.