Guidance

Detainee Custody Officer and Detainee Custody Officer (Escort) certification

Detention services order 02/2018 on the processes within the immigration detention estate relating to Detainee Custody Officer certification.

• From: Home Office and Immigration Enforcement
• Published: 8 August 2018
• Last updated: 26 June 2026
  Show all updates

  1. 26 June 2026

     Updated to correct Home Office audit requirements.

  2. 5 June 2026

     Updated the 'Detention Services Order 02/2018' document.

  3. 27 November 2025

     Added annexes A to G.

  4. 25 November 2025

     Updated the guidance to version 2.0.

  5. 21 November 2025

     Removed the annexes as they are no longer current policy.

  6. 8 August 2018

     First published.

Documents

Detainee Custody Officer and Detainee Custody Officer (Escort) certification (accessible)

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Detainee Custody Officer and Detainee Custody Officer (Escort) certification

PDF, 335 KB, 27 pages

Annex A: the certification process

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Annex B: mandatory declaration

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Annex C: training requirements

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Annex D: DCO(E) identity card agreement

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Annex E: transfer of DCO certification request

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Annex F: return from long absence declaration

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Annex G: misconduct offences

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Details

This document sets out the Home Office’s operational guidance and instructions to its immigration removal centre and escorting suppliers and their staff about:

• how to apply for certification
• conditions of certification
• suspension and revocation of certification
• extended leave, resignation or changes of employment