Forensic Custody Healthcare Professional

As a Forensic Custody Healthcare Professional, you will work autonomously within police custody suites, assessing and caring for detainees with a wide range of physical health, mental health, substance misuse and vulnerability-related needs.

This is a specialist clinical role where no two shifts are the same. You will assess fitness for detention, interview, charge and release; respond to acute medical episodes; provide healthcare advice; support safeguarding decisions; and work closely with custody teams, police officers and partner agencies.

You will also be trained to carry out forensic and evidential duties, including collecting and preserving forensic samples, documenting injuries and maintaining accurate clinical and evidential records that meet legal and professional standards.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct clinical assessments to determine fitness for detention, interview, charge and release, including capacity assessments.
• Manage medical emergencies, treat injuries and provide healthcare advice in a fast-paced custody environment.
• Support detainees with mental health needs, substance misuse, alcohol dependency and complex vulnerabilities.
• Collect, preserve and document forensic samples in line with evidential and legal standards.
• Produce accurate clinical and evidential records, including injury documentation.
• Liaise with police, custody teams, NHS services and other agencies to support safe onward care.
• Attend hospital blood procedures under the Road Traffic Act.
• Prepare professional statements and attend court as an impartial healthcare witness when required.

Requirements
What we’re looking for:

• Registered General Nurse with current NMC registration, or Paramedic with current HCPC registration.
• At least three years’ post-qualification experience in an acute or relevant setting, such as frontline ambulance, A&E, prison, custody or urgent care.
• Strong assessment, communication and decision-making skills, with confidence working autonomously.
• A calm, professional and compassionate approach with vulnerable people, including those who may be distressed, intoxicated or experiencing acute mental health symptoms.
• Full UK driving licence with fewer than six penalty points.
• Ability to complete enhanced DBS clearance and police vetting.
• Full right to work in the UK and a minimum of three years’ UK residency prior to application.
• Willingness to complete externally accredited forensic training within the first year of employment.

Working pattern and location

• Full-time employees are contracted to 42 hours per week.
• The main place of work will be Banbury Custody Suite.

What we offer:

• A joining bonus of up to £1500 FTE pro rata (for example - £750 paid after probation period and £750 paid after a year in the role)
• Recommend a friend £500
• NMC HCPC registration paid
• Access to company pension scheme
• Overtime at enhanced rates
• A supportive, values driven culture where professionalism and compassion are genuinely recognised
• A unique clinical environment where no two shifts are the same
• Exposure to specialist forensic skills including evidential documentation and forensic sampling
• Opportunities to progress within one of the UK’s most respected forensic healthcare providers
• Accredited forensic training and structured development.