Apprenticeship training course

Custody and detention professional (level 3)

Ensuring individuals in custody and detention centres are held in a secure, safe, decent and fair environment.

• Qualification level: 3 ; Equivalent to A level.
• Typical duration: 12 months
• Apprenticeship category: Protective services
• Maximum funding: £4,500 ; Maximum amount government will fund ; for apprenticeship training.
• Also known as:
  • Custody detention officers
  • Detention custody officer
  • Escorting officer
  • Military provost staff
  • Police custody officer
  • Prison custody officers
  • Prison officer (public and private prisons)
  • Provost marshal (army)
  • Secure training centre officer
• Skills:
  Skills an apprentice will learn

  • Undertake health and safety responsibilities in line with current legislation
  • Carry out risk assessment in line with organisational procedures (visual checks of areas & equipment and individuals)
  • Maintain and update documentation, reports, records and supporting systems in-line with local, national and organisational requirements
  • Apply use of force in line with organisational procedures
  • Utilise de-escalation techniques when dealing with inappropriate behaviours of individuals
  • Implement search techniques relevant to the situations (for example individuals, vehicles and illicit substances
  • Management and use of keys
  • Follow organisational security procedures
  • Carry out escorting or movement of individuals in custody or detention environments
  • Use verbal communication and interpersonal skills in your relationships with team members and others
  • Undertake incident management and take steps to defuse potential conflict situations in line with approved protocols
  • Work collaboratively with external stakeholders (escorting staff, drug/alcohol agencies, volunteers, healthcare, solicitors, members of the public)
  • Demonstrate processes, procedures and decisions to individuals in custody or detention so they understand what will happen to them and why
  • Identify individuals who may be vulnerable in custody or detention environments and signpost to the relevant support (for example drug/alcohol dependent individuals or individuals with mental health or wellbeing issues), following organisations procedures
  • Record and report involvement with vulnerable individuals in line with procedures

Full information on Custody and detention professional (level 3) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

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