Job Description (JD)
Band 4
Group Profile - Prison Officer Specialist (POS)
Job Description - POS : Search Dog Handler
Document Ref.
OR-JES-050-JD-B4 : POS : Search Dog Handler v8.0
Document Type
Management
Version
8.0
Classification
Official
Date of Issue
21 February 2022
Status
Baselined
Produced by
Job Evaluation Assurance and Support Team
Authorised by
Reward Team
JD Evidence
OR-JES-050-JD-B4 : POS : Search Dog Handler v8.0
Job Description
Job Title
POS : Search Dog Handler
Group Profile
Prison Officer Specialist
Organisation Level
Delivery 3-4
Band
4
Overview of the job
This is an operational job in an establishment.
Summary
The job holder will be a Prison Officer who will have additional specialist Search Dog
Handler training to carry out this job.
They will supervise and support prisoners in a secure custodial setting, ensuring all
services are provided to a high standard and that security and control are maintained at
all times.
They will also be deployed as a Supervising Officer where required.
This is an operational job with no line management; however they will have
supervisory responsibilities for staff.
Responsibilities,
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities
Activities and Duties
and duties:
• Carry out both routine and targeted searches for target substances, drugs,
firearms and explosives, mobile telephones, alcohol and other illegal items on
areas within the establishment, including staff and visitors.
• Maintain responsibility for the dog inside and outside working hours including
kennelling, exercise, health and welfare, informing manager of any incidents or
issues involving the dog.
• Keep updated records concerning own dog such as Occurrence Book, Record of
Service, Vet visits, boarding kennels and weight chart for inspection by the
manager.
• Maintain day to day obedience and skills of the dog, upholding standards in line
with the requirements of national guidelines.
• Identify reasons for the dog underperforming and take corrective action.
• Interpret the dog’s indication and take action accordingly.
• Collect, bag and record evidence which may be involved in searches and record
appropriately.
• Provide mutual aid to other establishments as and when required.
• Take responsibility and ensure safe, secure use of all official search dog training
equipment.
• Participate in the delivery of dog handling training to others as required.
• Take responsibility for any issued vehicles and equipment.
• Check the working area and fully brief the support team on the procedure
applicable to your search method.
• Direct and control all prisoner/visitor and staff movement in the vicinity of the
search, taking into account potentially sensitive issues such as babies, children,
religious concerns and people who are genuinely afraid of dogs.
• Ensure that all necessary equipment including vehicles (where appropriate) meet
required standards and report any defects to manager.
• Maintain a high state of vigilance to any possible security risks while on duty.
• Attend all Dog Unit, security, DST and other meetings as directed.
OR-JES-050-JD-B4 : POS : Search Dog Handler v8.0
Undertake other tasks including:
• Supervise, manage and control prisoners decently, lawfully, safely and securely
whilst carrying out all activities.
• Exercise the powers of a Constable.
• Conduct searches on prisoners, staff and visitors as required.
• Undertake external escorts.
• Undertakes ‘first on scene’ incident response.
• Maintain and update systems in line with local agreements.
• Prepare relevant documentation for managers for verification/quality checking
purposes.
• Attend and contribute to relevant meetings as required.
• Complete and update Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan.
• Establish, develop and maintain professional relationships with prisoners and
staff.
• Understand and comply with national/local policies and legislation.
When required act as a Supervising Officer (SO) as per the following job descriptions:
• SO : Safe, Decent and Secure / YP
• SO : Operations / YP
• SO : Special Unit
• SO : Category A Escorts
• SO : Nights / YP
• SO : Regime
• SO : PEI
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not
intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable
alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant
adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation Scheme and shall
be discussed in the first instance with the job holder.
An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium
of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh.
Behaviours
• Delivering at Pace
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
Strengths
It is advised strengths are chosen locally, recommended 4-8.
Essential Experience
• Must be competent in custodial procedures, including dynamic risk
assessments.
Technical
• Successful completion of POELT and probation period.
requirements
• Must have Custodial Care National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) 3.
• Must be trained in restraint techniques.
• Will complete specialist search dog handler initial course training and
successfully attain a licence of accreditation when taking up post. Will be
subject to initial and annual accreditation of skills by the National Prison Dog
Inspectorate (NDTSG).
• Must also hold a current full UK driving licence to enable transportation of
prison dogs as and when required.
OR-JES-050-JD-B4 : POS : Search Dog Handler v8.0
• When transferring to a Young Persons detention centre the job holder will be
required to successfully undertake an assessment to demonstrate suitability
to work with Young People.
Ability
Minimum Eligibility
• All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post.
• All external candidates are subject to 6 months’ probation. Internal candidates are
subject to probation if they have not already served a probationary period within
HMPPS.
• All staff are required to declare whether they are a member of a group or
organisation which HMPPS consider to be racist.
Hours of Work
37 hour working week (standard).
(Unsocial Hours)
Allowances
HMPPS Staff on closed pay structures only:
Additional Conditioned Hours Pensionable (ACHP)
Staff moving from a closed 39 hour pay structure will be eligible for the two
protected pensionable additional committed hours (ACHP). They will work a 39 hour
week consisting of the standard 37 hour week and a further 2 additional hours
(ACHP) paid at plain time pensionable rate.
Unsocial Hours Working:
This role requires working regular unsocial hours and a 17% payment will be paid in
addition to your basic pay to recognise this. Unsocial hours are those hours outside
0700 - 1900hrs Monday to Friday and include working evenings, nights, weekends
and Bank/Public holidays.
OR-JES-050-JD-B4 : POS : Search Dog Handler v8.0
Success Profile
Strengths
Behaviours
It is advised strengths
Ability
Experience
Technical
are chosen locally,
recommended 4-8
Delivering at Pace
Must be competent in custodial
Successful completion of POELT and
procedures, including dynamic
probation period.
risk assessments.
Leadership
Must have Custodial Care National
Vocational Qualification (NVQ) 3.
Communicating and Influencing
Must be trained in restraint techniques.
Working Together
Will complete specialist search dog
handler initial course training and
successfully attain a licence of
accreditation when taking up post. Will be
subject to initial and annual accreditation
of skills by the National Prison Dog
Inspectorate (NDTSG).
Managing a Quality Service
Must also hold a current full UK driving
licence to enable transportation of prison
dogs as and when required.
When transferring to a Young Persons
detention centre the job holder will be
required to successfully undertake an
assessment to demonstrate suitability to
work with Young People.
OR-JES-050-JD-B4 : POS : Search Dog Handler v8.0