Provision of Custodial Services

The Contract shall cover the provision of a 24 hrs per day, 365 days per year (366 days per Leap Year) outsourced Custodial Service within the Thames Valley Police area, hereinafter called the Authority. The outsourced service will consist of detention officers, under the control and direction of a Custody Officer ensuring the care, welfare and secure detention of persons taken into custody, along with completion of associated processes and procedures both whilst a person is in custody, and whilst an investigation continues when the person is out of custody. This contract does not encompass the complete management of the Custody Function (see attached organisational diagram). It should be noted that this tender represents the renewal of previous generation outsourcing with currently established staff who will be subject to TUPE arrangements.

Main Services to be provided.

Following Designation by the appropriate Chief Constable under Section 39 of the Police Reform Act 2002 and under the control and direction of a Custody Officer, the Contractor shall be required to provide Detention Officers who will ensure the care, welfare and secure detention of persons taken into Custody in accordance with (though not limited to):

• The Police and Criminal Evidence Act Codes of Practice and legislation

referred to therein;

• Authorised Professional Practice (formerly the Safer Detention and Handling of Persons in Police Custody Guidance);
• Drugs Act 2005;
• Mental Health Act 1983;
• Immigration Act 1971;
• Health and Safety legislation;
• Human Rights Act 1998;
• Data Protection Act 1998;
• Equalities Act 2010;
• Force Defined Custody Policies and Procedures.
• The Contractor shall be required to ensure a safe, efficient and effective

custody system is maintained which complies with relevant legislation and policies, as above.

Additional information: Details contained within associated tender documentation. Award Criteria is 60% Quality and 40% Cost. The expectations are for a minimum of 5 suppliers and a maximum of 15 suppliers to be invited to tender. Contract to be awarded to a sole supplier.