Metropolitan Police Service (MPS)
Police Staff
Information pack
Designated Detention Officer
ABOUT THE METROPOLITAN POLICE SERVICE
Origins
Founded by Sir Robert Peel in 1829, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) is one
of the oldest police services in the world. The original Metropolitan Police District
(MPD) covered a seven mile radius from Charing Cross containing a population of
less than two million. This was policed by 1,000 officers.
Today, the MPS is made up 50,000 officers and staff, which includes over 5,000
volunteer police officers from the Metropolitan Special Constabulary (MSC) and its
Employer Supported Policing (ESP) programme.
The current MPD includes the whole of the Greater London Area, covering 620
square miles and over 8.3 million people. Since April 2000, the boundaries of the
MPD have mirrored the 32 London boroughs as shown below.
ABOUT THE METROPOLITAN POLICE SERVICE
Organisation
The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) now employs over 50,000 people in a wide
variety of jobs from uniformed police officers patrolling London’s streets to support
staff providing essential support services. The Service also includes over 5,000
Special Constable Volunteers.
From the beginning, the purpose of the MPS has been to serve and protect the
people of London by providing a professional police service; this remains our purpose.
The Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis is appointed by the Queen, in
consultation with the Home Secretary. The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime
(MOPAC) supervises the police service and publishes an annual policing plan,
including performance targets. It reports back to the Mayor, the London Assembly
and the community and has a role in the appointment, and if necessary, discipline and
removal of senior police officers.
The MPS has an annual net budget of £3.6 billion – more than 25% of the total police
budget for England and Wales. It is one of the largest employers in London and South
East of England.
The Commissioner has outlined his vision of Total Policing with a total war on crime,
total care for victims and total professionalism from our staff at its core. We are
committed to delivering excellent policing from tackling anti-social behaviour and
other crime in neighbourhoods, through to dealing with terrorists and the most
serious criminals often ‘behind the scenes’. We rely on the work of warranted officers,
police community support officers (PCSOs), special constables and police staff to
tackle the range of policing challenges facing London
Customer Contact Services
Taskforce & Armed Policing
Intelligence
Maxine de Brunner
DAC
Met Ops & Intel
Specialist Reactive
Specialist Proactive
Forensic Services
Finance & Reporting
West Area
South Area
North Area
East Area
Community Engagement
Criminal Justice
Central Area & Roads Policing
Helen Ball
DAC
Frontline Services
Misconduct UPP Chair
Richard Thwaite
INTERIM DIRECTOR
Digital
Policing
Procurement Operations
Referencing & Vetting
SHARED SUPPORT SERVICES
Martin Fewell
DIRECTOR
Media &
Communications
STRUCTURE UNTIL APRIL 2015 WHEN:
Central Area to be amalgamated into the
North Area
Hugh Giles
DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
Nina Cope
Legal
Services
Portfolio
& Planning
Logistics Services
Anna Klonowski
INTERIM DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
Robin Wilkinson
Commercial
& Finance
Human
Resources
MET HEADQUARTERS
Craig Mackey
DEPUTY
COMMISSIONER
Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe
COMMISSIONER
Hire to Retire
Fiona Taylor
DAC
Professional
Standards
Martin Hewitt
ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER
Professionalism
National Coordinator &
Counter Terrorism
Counter Terrorism
Security
Protection
Patricia Gallan
DAC
Mark Simmons
DAC
DAC
Steve Rodhouse
Security &
Protection
Neighbourhood
Policing
Mark Rowley
ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER
Specialist
Operations
Specialist
Crime
Helen King
ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER
ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER
Cressida Dick
Neighbourhood
Policing
Specialist Crime
& Operations
JULY 2014
Executive Structure
Metropolitan Police Service
The following chart shows how the MPS is structured.
ABOUT THE METROPOLITAN POLICE SERVICE
MPS Values, Mission and Priorities
Our success depends on us all working towards the same goals. Our strategy, led by
the Police Commissioner, Bernard Hogan-Howe, is called Total Policing. It consists of
a set of priorities, set out below, supported by key values. Total Policing ensures that
we are on the front foot in tackling criminality in all its forms. Where new techniques
or new technology can help in that war, we will maximise use of it. Total Policing
also means Total Care for victims – preventing people from becoming victims in
the first place where possible but, where we have victims, ensuring that the MPS
gives the best possible support. And we will do that with Total Professionalism, so
that the MPS continues to foster the support and trust of law-abiding Londoners,
while ensuring that it is an organisation that all criminals fear. All of this will be
underpinned by our values of Courage, Compassion, Integrity and Professionalism.
Total War on Crime
We are crime fighters. This is a vital part of policing. Tackling crime, arresting
criminals and bringing them before a court is the core of what we do, doing
whatever we can to arrest criminals and stop crime as long as it is legal and ethical.
Total Victim Care
It is important that when a victim reports a crime that we tell them how that crime
is being progressed and that they have confidence in those dealing with their case.
We also need to ensure we are sensitive to the victim’s needs, understanding what
is unique about them and how we tailor our service to meet their needs. We must
always remember that we have a duty of care to our victims.
Total Professionalism
How we will achieve Total Policing as a whole is through Total Professionalism.
Whatever we do, even where we have to be assertive, we do it professionally,
courteously and, most importantly, we do it effectively. Setting standards and
maintaining these standards across the organisation day in day out. We expect
the highest standards from staff across the MPS and rightly so, the work of police
is closely scrutinised. Likewise when officers and staff do an outstanding job they
should know how much it is valued by the rest of the MPS, and no doubt the
Londoners we serve. To make the MPS the best police service, everyone has an
important role to play.
ABOUT THE METROPOLITAN POLICE SERVICE
Our commitment to transform - ‘Met Change’
In October 2012 the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) developed and
prioritised the 20/20/20 vision for the MPS.
This requires the MPS to:
• Reduce key crimes by 20% - by providing 24/7 flexible specialist resource to
address existing and emerging crime trends
• Improve public confidence by 20% - by improving the availability, efficiency and
visibility of specialist support
• Cut costs by 20% - equivalent to a £500m budget reduction
To deliver on both the MPS’s vision and the challenges set by the Mayor, the
MPS has developed a One Met Model which has at its centre a single corporate HQ.
The Met Change programme is designing the future structure of the MPS to realise
this transformation.
The One Met Model is made up of five areas of work - Neighbourhood Policing,
Pan-London Services, Control Infrastructure, Met HQ and Support Services. These
areas are not structures or business groups but describe how we will deliver our
services differently. They will bring together key MPS functions which were formerly
fragmented across the operational business groups, and enhance their capabilities.
Under each area, work is taking place to design processes and structures that will
deliver the services required by a modern Met and achieve the savings needed.
Within the Met HQ a new Commercial and Finance Directorate has been created in
order to help meet the goal of delivering against the MPS’s vision. This Directorate
will initially combine the Finance, Procurement and Property functions, and Shared
Support Services, but has the potential to include additional functions once
confirmation and approvals have been given.
Met Change and Total Professionalism are working together with co-ordinated
engagement, messages and direction. Total Professionalism will support Met Change
by preparing the organisation for the changes and challenges ahead by motivating
staff and creating momentum and enthusiasm for the future of the MPS.
For further information on the Met Change model and the improvements we are
making please visit our website on http://content.met.police.uk/Site/changingmet
BACKGROUND TO DELIVERY OF CUSTODY SERVICES WITHIN THE MPS
The MPS currently delivers custody under a Borough based model where activity
is locally managed supported by a team of custody experts providing central
governance and oversight. The MPS is currently in the midst of a change programme
and a new dedicated custody operational command is being created called Met
Detention. Met Detention will assume responsibility for all aspects of custody
ranging from ownership of the staff; accountability for risk management to overall
performance.
Met Detention’s central team of experts is already in place and in the latter part of
2014 the transition from Borough led delivery to Met Detention will take place.
The central Met Detention Team consists of:
• Senior Leadership Team
• Seven Area Chief Inspectors
• Core Business Team - deals with the day-to-day issues of custody performance,
standards and procedures
• Inspection and Review Team - reviews compliance with legislation and MPS
Custody Policy
• Forensic Healthcare Services - delivery of healthcare service via FMEs and CNPs
• Projects - managing a variety of custody related projects.
Custody is a 24/7 operation being delivered by permanent custody teams (PCT)
across 36 primary custody suites. DDOs will form part of the professionalised PCTs
that also include:
• Custody Manager/Custody Support Inspector (CSI) - Inspector
• Custody Officer (CO) - Sergeant
• DDOs - Designated Detention Officers - Police Staff- Band E.
The MPS aims to deploy 780 DDOs across London
• CNPs - Custody Nurse Pratitioners - Police Staff - Band P and V
Recruitment currently in progress.
BACKGROUND TO DELIVERY OF CUSTODY SERVICES WITHIN THE MPS
As part of the change process under Met Detention a review of working practices
has taken place and when the transition from Borough takes place a new corporate
shift pattern will be introduced in order to standardise service delivery. This shift
pattern will be based on 12 hour days and nights. Below is the shift pattern that will
be introduced across the MPS.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
1
Day Shift
Day Shift
Night Shift
Night Shift
Rest Day
Rest Day
Rest Day
2
Rest Day
Rest Day
Day Shift
Day Shift
Night Shift
Night Shift
Night Shift
3
Rest Day
Rest Day
Rest Day
Rest Day
Day Shift
Day Shift
Day Shift
Rest Day
Rest Day
Rest Day
Rest Day
Rest Day
4
Night Shift Night Shift
D=0700hrs-1900hrs
N=1900hrs-0700hrs
You will still be assigned a home suite, but there may be occasions when you are
required to work from another MPS custody suite close by. Any additional travel
expenses incurred will be reimbursed to you, subject to meeting the standard MPS
terms and conditions.
MET DETENTION
Custody Environment
Working in a custody suite demands a high level of concentration at all times. It is
the heartbeat of the police station. You’ll need to think on your feet, and make quick
decisions. At times it can be stressful dealing with detainees but at other times
there are moments wh ere you can relax, although still maintaining security and
control, and remaining sensitive to the individual needs of detainees. Because many
detainees have difficulties coming to terms with being detained, DDOs work can
often prove challenging whilst incredibly rewarding.
When people are arrested they are taken to a Custody Suite at the local police
station or to one of 36 24/7 suites across London, where they are detained whilst the
offence for which they were arrested is investigated.
They are then either given police bail whilst further enquiries are made or receive
one of the following case disposals:
• Charged / postal requisition
• Simple police caution
• Conditional caution
• Youth reprimand
• Youth Final Warning
• Penalty Notice for Disorder
• Offence Taken into Consideration, or
• No Further Action taken.
The Custody Officer, a Police Officer in the rank of Sergeant is responsible for
the Custody Suite. The Custody Officer will be the day-to-day supervisor of the
Designated Detention Officers (DDOs) and/or any police Officers who work in the
Custody Suite.
Other agencies and people who work or deliver services in the custody suites are:
• Solicitors and/or Legal representatives
• Custody Healthcare Professionals
• Drug workers
• Youth workers, and
• Independent Custody Visitors (ICV) from the local community.
DESIGNATED DETENTION OFFICER ROLE OVERVIEW
The DDO’s role is based in the custody suite and their main objective is to support
the Custody Officer in providing a safe custody environment and ensure the rights
and entitlements of people detained are protected. The Custody Officer has overall
responsibility for the entire Custody Suite and DDOs must act in accordance with
their instructions and carry out all duties with integrity and in accordance with
current legislation.
One of the main functions of a DDO will be the inputting of a detainee’s details
onto an electronic custody record upon being arrested and brought to the police
station. This part of a DDOs’ role will only commence after completing a period of
time, normally a period of between three to six months where you will have to prove
competency in the role as a gaoler before being put forward for Inputter training.
Once a detainee arrives at the custody suite, a DDO who has received Inputter
training will, on the direction and supervision of the Custody Officer, open and
maintain a comprehensive log of the detainee’s time in police custody. From their
arrival at the police station until they are released, details such as the exact offence
in law for which they have been arrested, their name and address, what property
they have on them upon arrest and the completion of a risk assessment are
examples of what must be recorded and this will be undertaken by the DDO.
DDOs will have the opportunity to perform a range of duties from undertaking the
inputting function to carrying out other important roles revolving around the welfare
of detainees and the general safety of the custody suite. These are known as gaoler
(pronounced jailer) duties. All of these duties must be conducted with integrity,
compassion and professionialism. By the very nature of policing in London, DDOs
will deal with individuals from a variety of backgrounds; some will be vulnerable,
some will have complex medical needs; often there will be language barriers and
therefore, working within a custody suite will test the skills of our staff, especially
our ability to communicate. Although a challenging role, DDOs can make a real
difference to people’s lives by enabling access to other support services.
DESIGNATED DETENTION OFFICER ROLE OVERVIEW
Below are some of the job related activities:
Drug testing
Drugs Intervention Program, testing procedures on detainees where tests have been
authorised. The drug test requires the taking of a mouth swab and testing of the
sample for the presence of specified class “A” drugs using the approved drug testing
equipment. Carry out Evidential Drug Identification Testing (EDIT) on drugs in simple
possession cases to allow a case disposal decision to be made, which simplifies and
speeds up the summary justice process.
Samples
Take non-intimate samples with or without consent. Give warnings regarding failure
to provide non-intimate samples.
Cell visits
Undertake visits to detainees at the prescribed intervals and rouse and speak to
them as appropriate. Note custody record with time visited and action taken. Advise
Custody Officer immediately if the condition of a detainee gives cause for concern.
Answer cell calls
Respond to calls for attention from the detainees and simple requests such as
requests for food/drink or blanket etc. Assist with the escorting of detainees to
interview and chaperon when visiting with the Forensic Healthcare Practitioner
(FHP) and as directed by the Custody Officer.
Telephone calls
On the direction of the Custody Officer, requests attendance of FHP or attendance
of duty/instructed solicitor for detainee. Answer telephone enquiries and provide
information as appropriate, referring to Custody Officer as necessary. Supervise
permitted telephone call(s). Requests details of number and person to be called,
note details in the Custody record. Dial number and remain with detainee whilst call
takes place.
Supervise detainee ablutions and Supervise detainee of the same sex when using
washing facilities in the cell block.
DESIGNATED DETENTION OFFICER ROLE OVERVIEW
Inputter functions
Assist with the administration of arrivals of detained persons, recording the condition
and needs of such persons, determining immediate action if necessary. Assist the
Custody Officer to undertake the risk assessment process, including medical history
and incidents of particular risk. Advise the Custody Officer accordingly.
Maintain a chronological order of events onto the custody record relating to the
on-going detention of the detainee in accordance with legislation and MPS Custody
Policy.
Directions by Custody Officer
The post holder may be required to carry out other reasonable tasks as directed by
the Custody Officer or other supervising officer from time to time.
Supply disposable toilet items (toothbrush and paste, soap and razor) and collects
those items immediately after use.
Supervise detainee seen by FHP. Assist with visit to the FHP and medical care of
detainees. On the instruction of the Custody Officer only, administer medication to
detainees at intervals recommended by FHP and note custody record accordingly.
Search property brought in for detainees on authority of the Custody Officer
conduct search of detainee’s property. Inform Custody Officer of any property
discovered during the search that may be illegal or concerned with drug use
Detainee’s exercise
At appropriate times and with authority of the Custody Officer supervise exercise of
detainees in secure area.
Supplies prisoners with meals
Arrange and deliver meals for detainees, with regard for any dietary requirements,
and note Custody record accordingly. Inform Custody Officer of any person wising
to supply detainees with food or drink.
Maintains Custody Suite stores
Ensure adequate custody stores are maintained, including detainee supplies,
stationary, and interview tapes etc.
Cells
Ensure that cells are in good working order and are presentable for re-use. To give
the cell a general wipe down ready in preparation for the next detainee. Notify the
Custody Officer of defects and contact appropriate department to arrange repair.
Conduct regular searches of empty cells to ensure that nothing is hidden and advise
the Custody Officer immediately if anything is found.
DESIGNATED DETENTION OFFICER ROLE OVERVIEW
Fingerprints
Take fingerprints of a detained person if authorised by law or if detainee voluntarily
agrees to provide their fingerprints. Update custody record with result.
Searches and Photographs
Undertake non-intimate search of detained person’s detained at the police station
as authorised. Photograph a detainee detained at police station on authority of the
Custody Officer.
Footwear Impressions
Take footwear impressions of a detainee detained at a police station on authority of
the Custody Officer.
Present evidence in court and other hearings
Attend court and give evidence when required.
Virtual Courts
The MPS in conjunction with the London Criminal Justice Board (LCJB) have
launched a Virtual Court process. Under this new process defendants appear before
a magistrate via a secure video conference link from a police station. Magistrates
or a District Judge will conduct the proceedings from within the courtroom. They
will be able to view the defendant via this secure video link, along with the defence
solicitor. Under this scheme there will also be a defendant handler, who will act as an
agent of the court, attached to each police station. As a DDO, you will be involved in
this process as part of your gaoler role and will carry out some of the administration
duties and care of the detainee.
Virtual Courts are being piloted in 9 MPS Boroughs: Lewisham, Greenwich, Bexley,
Croydon, Westminster, Lambeth, Southwark, Bromley and Sutton.
Training
A DDO must be ‘Designated’ before they can carry out any of the above listed
duties.
To achieve designation status under the Police Reform Act, 2002, the Commissioner
must be satisfied that each individual is suitable, capable and adequately trained. In
order to ensure this legislative requirement is met, DDOs will undergo formal exams
and assessments which are pass/fail exams throughout the six-week Foundation
Training Course (FTC), to ensure each DDO is correctly trained to perform their role
safely and effectively within the Custody Suite.
DESIGNATED DETENTION OFFICER ROLE OVERVIEW
Personal skills
It’s not just what is trained, but what a DDO can bring with them in regards to
personal skills;
•
Competence in basic use of Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook. Typing speed
is not essential, however, it would be beneficial and self-teaching software is
offered to enhance typing skills and would ensure an efficient Custody
process;
•
Observation skills. Being able to recognise and remember individuals from
local intelligence briefings or reading the body language of detainees who
present inconsistent or unusual behaviour could prove invaluable to managing
their safety and wellbeing in custody.
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
Acronym Full Meaning
4Rs - Those who are suspected of being ‘under the influence’ of drink or drugs, must
be checked and roused at least every half hour, and have their condition assessed as
in Code C Annex H - the 4 Rs.
Rousability – can they be woken
Response to questions – can they give appropriate answers to simple questions
Response to commands – can they respond appropriately to simple commands
Remember - to take into account the possibility or presence of illnesses, injury or
mental condition. A person who appears drowsy and smells of alcohol may also
have: diabetes, epilepsy, a head injury, drug intoxication or overdose, or stroke.
BOCU - Borough Operational Command Unit
CCTV - Close Circuit Television
CIP - Custody Improvement Project
CNP - Custody Nurse Practitioners
CNAM - Custody Nurse Area Managers
COZART - Drug testing equipment used in custody suites
CRB - Criminal Records Bureau
CRIMINT - Criminal Intelligence System
Custody Officer Is always a Police Sergeant - they are solely responsible for
everything that occurs in the Custody Suite during their shift.
Custody Suite Part of the Police Station that houses detainees, this includes cells,
interview rooms, medical examination rooms, fingerprint rooms and booking in desk.
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
DDO Designated Detention Officer
DIP Drugs Interventions Programme
Home Office initiative with the aim to reduce crime through drug treatment.
EDIT Evidential Drugs Identification Testing
ERA Letter Employee Relations Act Letter
FHP Forensic Healthcare Practitioner could be a Forensic Medical Examiner or
Custody Nurse Practitioner.
FHS Forensic Healthcare Services
FME Forensic Medical Examiner
HO Home Office
ICT Information and Communication Technology
ICV Independent Custody Visitor
IT Information Technology
JPS Joint Prosecution Service
LCJB London Criminal Justice Board
Organisation that coordinates activities of London’s Criminal Justice Agencies in
delivering an effective, transparent and responsive criminal justice service for victims
and the public.
LiveScan Computer system used for the capturing of fingerprints
Met Detention (MD) name of department within MPS which provides strategic
overview over custody suites, staffing and all policy and legislation to do with
Custody.
MPS Metropolitan Police Service
MSL Maternity Support Leave
Non-Intimate DNA Samples
Normally a mouth swab, but can include a hair sample.
Non-Intimate Search
Search of a detainee which does not include any intimate part of their body.
This includes strip searching for drugs or weapons.
NSPIS National Strategy Police Information System. Custody IT system used by MPS
- full training will be given.
OCU Operational Command Unit
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
PNC Police National Computer
PND Penalty Notice for Disorder
Risk Assessment of detainees’ physical and mental health and welfare.
SDA Shift Disturbance Allowance
SLA Service Level Agreement
SLT Senior Leadership Team
SMP Statutory Maternity Pay
TP CJ Territorial Policing - Criminal Justice. Department within the MPS which
supports the day to day policing of all 32 London boroughs.
Trigger Offences that are often linked to drug users, these are known as acquisitive
crimes and are offences such as theft, burglary, fraud, prostitution and persistent
begging.
APPLICATION PROCESS
All applicants will be required to successfully pass Corporate Selection tests, which
have been devised for this role. The selection process consists of the following
elements.
Application Form
All internal and external applicants will complete similar application forms, which
include questions based upon the competencies required for this role (see attached
notes for guidance and refer to the four key behavioural competencies).
Paper-Sift 1
The aim of this sift is to identify and reject applications that have failed the basic
requirements of the advertisement (e.g. nationality, incorrectly completed forms).
Paper-Sift 2
The second paper sift is an assessment of the candidate’s response to the five
questions based on the competencies required to fulfil this role.
Day 1 Assessment: Interview Board
All applicants will be required to undertake a formal interview, which will focus on
the behaviours outlined in the information pack. It will comprise of two parts:
• Situational exercise, and
• Competency based interview.
More details of this process will be provided if you are invited to attend an interview.
If you are successful at Day 1, you will progress to Day 2.
Day 2 Assessment: Medical and Job Related Fitness Test
As a result of being designated under the Police Reform Act, 2002, all applicants
who successfully pass Day 1 will be required to complete the following, which
ensures candidates, meet the requirements of the role:
• Medical, and
• Job related test (bleep test and strength test).
APPLICATION PROCESS
Posting Preference
You will be asked to indicate three Boroughs posting preferences in the application
process, however it should be noted that although every effort will be made, there
are no guarantees that your preferences can be accommodated. The availability
of Boroughs will be made known to you once you are ready for posting, as these
are prone to regular change. Postings will be made in accordance with operational
necessity.
The provision of custody services throughout London can be extremely varied due
to the many events and operational demands faced by the MPS on a daily basis. As
a result, DDOs will have the opportunity of working at different locations within the
MPS. This could be in response to large scale events such as demonstrations or the
Notting Hill Carnival to operational staffing requirements at nearby custody suites.
The map of the MPS on page 2 gives you an idea of the possibility of locations.
However, only minimum spaces are available at certain locations and the availability
will be revealed to you on your Day 2 as the vacancies are subject to change.
Pre-employment Fingerprints
As part of the Day 2 assessment you will be required to consent to providing
fingerprints and understand that the fingerprints provided will be used to conduct
a search of the criminal conviction database. This check is performed as part of the
application process for a post within the MPS and any information obtained as a
result of this check may affect your application.
Failure to give consent will result in your application being terminated.
If you are appointed, your fingerprints will be kept on the Police Elimination
Database and used for the purposes of elimination only.
Your fingerprints including all copies and records will be destroyed if you are not
successful in the recruitment process or if you leave the police service. (This is
subject to the retention of hard copies with case papers until the conclusion of any
outstanding cases or impending trial where the fingerprints may be disposable).
Substance Misuse Testing
This may be carried out at any stage during the selection process and if selected is
compulsory.
Vetting
Subject to successfully passing the MPS vetting procedures, applicants will be
offered a DDO post at a Custody Suite within the MPS.
The MPS is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
As part of these safeguards, the MPS adopts a consistent and thorough process of
safe recruitment in order to ensure that all MPS staff and volunteers are suitable.
Posts that involve a high level of contact with children and vulnerable adults will
additionally require a Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Foundation Training Course
After successfully passing the recruitment process, a conditional offer of
employment will be made to you. Your employment will be subject to the
satisfactory completion of the 6 week DDO Foundation Training Course (FTC). This
is a pass or fail course. If you fail to meet the standard required by the MPS, your
employment will be terminated.
You will also be required to successfully complete a 12-month probationary period at
your posted Borough.
As your post requires interaction with the public, you will receive awareness training
in personal and Officer safety. If you fail to reach the required standard, assistance
will be provided to help you. However, if you fail to reach this standard within the set
timescale your employment as a DDO will be terminated.
All further details will be in your conditional offer letter and once you accept the
appointment, a formal contract of employment will be issued to you in person by the
Custody Manager of your chosen Borough.
If you are successful, there are limited training places for this financial year, however,
there will be a select list and a training place will be offered as they become available
within the next 12 months.
YOUR REWARDS
By joining the Metropolitan Police Service, you will be helping to protect the lives of
over eight million people. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing that your
efforts are having an impact on such a large and diverse community.
In return, you will receive a starting salary of £21,709 rising to £24,255 gross per
annum and either Inner London Location Allowance of £3,501 or Outer London
Location Allowance of £1,902. Annual incremental spine points will achieve
progression from minimum to maximum of the pay scale.
Also, as 24 hour shift working and public holiday working are required, a shift
disturbance allowance (SDA) of a maximum of 20% of the basic salary is paid along
with public holiday remuneration. The shift disturbance applicable to you will depend
on the working shift pattern of the Borough you are allocated to.
The normal hours of work are 41 hours per week including meal breaks. This post
involves 24 hour shift working including night duty and weekend working. You will
also be required to work Public Holidays, including Christmas Day and Boxing Day if
they fall as part of your rostered duty.
The MPS can in certain roles accommodate flexible working (i.e variable shift
patterns, reduced number of working days etc), however, it MUST be noted that
this is subject to operation policing requirements of the Borough. Prior notification
is required at the application stage of any intention to request a flexible working
pattern and each request will be assessed and based on the individual circumstances
provided.
As a member of our team, you will also have access to Met Benefits - an external
website, offering MPS employees (staff and officers) guaranteed savings at major
high street stores and retail outlets nationwide. These benefits are obtained and
co-ordinated by Human Resources. You can save money on everything from food,
clothes, furniture, electrical and DIY products to hotels, restaurants, cinemas and
theatre tickets.
All staff are eligible to join the Metropolitan Police Athletic Association (MPAA) and
the Metropolitan Police Sports and Social Association (known as the ‘Comets’) and
enjoy taking part in sporting and social events. The MPS has four well-equipped
Sports clubs at Bushey, Chigwell, Hayes and Imber Court, available to all staff as well
as family and friends.
For further information regarding the terms and conditions offered by the MPS and
assistance in completing your application, please download the guidance notes for
Police Staff applications available on the MPS Careers website.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
For further information regarding the eligibility criteria for joining the MPS, please
refer to the guidance notes available on the MPS Careers website or contained in the
application.
The MPS is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
As part of these safeguards, the MPS adopts a consistent and thorough process of
safe recruitment in order to ensure that all MPS staff and volunteers are suitable.
Posts that involve a high level of contact with children and vulnerable adults will
additionally require a Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check.
• Your application form will be initially sifted against MPS criteria such as
convictions and residency.
•
Following the initial sift your application will be assessed against the role
criteria.
• If successful at this stage we will contact you regarding the assessment centre
process which will include:
- Day 1 assessment (interview situational exercise)
- Day 2 medical/fitness assessment.
• The interview will be a competency-based interview and questions will be
posed around the criteria for the role in question, as set out in the advert and
information pack.
• If successful at interview we will send you an initial offer of employment which
sets out what happens next.
• If unsuccessful we will also advise you in writing but will be unable to offer
feedback.
MAKING AN APPLICATION
Please e-mail your completed application to the preferred option:
ddoapplications@met.police.uk
by 4pm on Wednesday 12th November 2014.
The above e-mail address should not be used for general enquiries please visit
www.metpolicecareers.co.uk, which includes an ‘Answering Your questions’ section
or contact the call centre on 0845 727 2212 from Monday - Friday 8.30am -4.30pm.
• The recruitment process is thorough and consequently can be quite lengthy.
• Shortlisting and interviews will be based on the criteria listed.
• Until an offer of appointment is confirmed in writing, you should not assume
your application has been successful