Guidance

Annex G: misconduct offences

Updated 27 November 2025

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/detainee-custody-officer-and-detainee-custody-officer-escort-certification/annex-g-misconduct-offences

The following is a non-exhaustive list of offences which constitute serious misconduct.

  • bringing discredit to the Home Office, or acting in a way likely to do so
  • unauthorised disclosure of official information
  • unauthorised publication, whether formal or informal, of information about the work of the Home Office or the work of a DCO
  • using Home Office property and resources for private purposes without permission
  • false statements or forgery
  • breaches of security - including non-compliance with security policies
  • offensive personal behaviour
  • neglect of duty
  • membership of or any association with a racist organisation
  • a failure to report arrest or conviction
  • being unfit to work through use of alcohol
  • losing, mislaying or accidentally giving others access to Home Office information
  • a failure to notify the Certification Team of a change in circumstances which is material to the individual’s certificate to work as a DCO.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of offences which constitute gross misconduct:

  • theft, corruption, fraud, forgery or other acts of dishonesty including the deliberate falsification of records
  • corruption, including offering and accepting bribes
  • violent, threatening, or abusive behaviour towards detainees - staff or visitors
  • inappropriate and / or unlawful use of force
  • very serious breaches of security
  • gross negligence
  • unauthorised disclosure of official information
  • actions bringing or likely to bring serious discredit on the Home Office
  • inappropriate relationships or communications with detained individuals.
  • being in possession of or have misused controlled drugs, including the use of prescription medication that has been prescribed to another person
  • being cautioned or convicted for possession of drugs
  • breach of the Home Office’s security data policy or neglect resulting in the loss of confidential data
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