The drive to achieve Best Value has prompted a growing number of police authorities to consider freeing up police officers from custody duties and replacing them with appropriately trained staff from the private sector.
As a result, we provide custody services to a number of police authorities around the country. The service, with specifically trained staff, relieves experienced police officers from custodial and administrative tasks to focus on front-line operational duties. In some cases, evidential property and facilities management services are also included.
Depending on the location and contract our services include:
- Reception duties
- Post-charge administration - taking of fingerprints, photographs, DNA samples, shoemark scanning and PNC checks
- DNA/Drug testing services
- Detainee care and catering
- Forensic medical services
- Interpreter services
- ID parades Support Services
- Cleaning
- Laundry
- Waste management
- Integrated security systems
- Building & grounds maintenance
- 24 hour helpdesks
Existing custody contracts
Sussex Police
In August 2001, as part of a £90 million 30 year path finder PFI, Reliance Secure Task Management was contracted by Sussex Police Authority to provide custody and facilities management services in six centralised custody centres, employing over 130 people.
West Mercia Police
In January 2002, we commenced a force-wide contract with West Mercia Police Authority. The contract is operated by over 55 custody assistants and managers in six custody centres.
Thames Valley Police
In August 2002 we were awarded, by Thames Valley Police, the contract to provide a custody services team of 130 people across the police authority area in 12 centres. This contract commenced in January 2003.
Warwickshire Police
In June 2006 Reliance took over the custody management of 3 custody suites for Warwickshire Police, following the end of a previous contract. there is a custody services team of 30 people.
Cleveland Police
September 2007 saw us start our custody contract for Cleveland Police Authority, managing 3 custody units with 71 cells and employing over 80 people in custody. Since October 2007 we have also been managing the Healthcare requirements of the custody suites in Cleveland.
