What does a custody officer do?

1 What is a custody officer?

A custody officer is a person who is responsible for the safety and welfare of people who are arrested and detained by the police. Custody officers work in police stations or other secure facilities, where they supervise, monitor, and process the detainees. They also ensure that the detainees' rights and needs are met, such as providing them with food, water, medical care, legal advice, and access to communication.

2 What are the duties of a custody officer?

A custody officer's responsibilities vary depending on the situation and type of detainee. Common duties include booking and searching detainees, conducting risk assessments and health checks, explaining detention reasons and procedures, managing custody records, logs, and evidence, escorting detainees to and from cells, interview rooms, courtrooms or other locations, dealing with incidents, complaints or requests from detainees, reporting any issues or concerns to senior officers or managers, and maintaining security, cleanliness and order of the custody area while checking equipment and facilities regularly.

3 What are the skills and qualifications of a custody officer?

To become a custody officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver's license. It is beneficial to have experience in security, law enforcement, or customer service. Additionally, you must have a clean criminal record and background check, as well as a good level of physical fitness and the ability to handle stressful situations. Furthermore, you must possess strong ethics and integrity, as well as good communication and interpersonal skills. Lastly, you need problem-solving and decision-making skills and the ability to work independently or in a team.

4 How much does a custody officer earn?

The salary of a custody officer may vary depending on the location, employer, experience, and qualifications. According to Indeed, the average salary of a custody officer in the United States is $36,368 per year as of September 2021. However, some custody officers may earn more or less than this amount, depending on factors such as overtime, bonuses, benefits, and incentives.

5 How to become a custody officer?

If you are interested in becoming a custody officer, you need to apply for a position with a police department or a private contractor that provides custody services. You will need to meet the minimum requirements, such as age, education, license, and background check. You will also need to pass a written test, a physical test, a medical exam, a drug test, and an interview. If you are selected, you will need to undergo a training program, which may last from several weeks to several months, depending on the employer and the state. During the training, you will learn about the laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to custody, as well as the practical skills and techniques for handling the detainees and the custody environment.

7 Here’s what else to consider

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