DCO Immigration

I started working for G4S nearly two years ago. After one week’s full time training, I worked in many different areas of the centre including reception, switchboard, stores, the gatehouse and security, supporting fully qualified colleagues. Following my development review with my manager, I decided to apply to become a Detainee Custody Officer (DCO).

I then completed my seven week Initial Training Course (ITC) and I’ve just been presented with my Home Office DCO badge, which is awarded to all DCOs when they successfully complete their training.

While I’m still learning the job, I have an experienced officer with me all the time, making sure that I’ve understood how to carry out all the procedures we follow. I’m also learning a lot about using my interpersonal skills to assist detainees with any queries and help maintain order within the centre.

I start my shift, day or night, with a briefing from my team leader, who updates the whole shift about any issues in the centre and any tasks that need to be completed on that shift. The shift start times vary so I tend to miss rush hour on my journey to work.

The area of the centre I work in changes regularly so I might be doing internal patrols for an hour, checking the library, the prayer room and the TV rooms, then into the detainee reception for an hour. Wherever I am, my focus is on interaction with detainees.

Although there’s a lot of routine, every day is different because we’re dealing with people and I can see how all the procedures allow the team and the centre to run smoothly. We’re always busy and because we work as a team, time passes quickly. I’ve learnt a lot of new skills since working here, especially listening and being confident to talk with the detainees when they get stressed at the situation they face. A lot of them come and thank me when they’re leaving which is really nice.

I’ve been told I’ll have regular refresher training including First Aid at Work and an annual Control and Restraint course to ensure I’m always updating my skills. Also in the longer term, there are more career opportunities with the company as well as opportunities for me to develop.