Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

154 Detainee custody officers. U.K.

(1) On an application made to him under this section, the Secretary of State may certify that the applicant—

(a) is authorised to perform escort functions; or

(b) is authorised to perform both escort functions and custodial functions.

(2) The Secretary of State may not issue a certificate of authorisation unless he is satisfied that the applicant—

(a) is a fit and proper person to perform the functions to be authorised; and

(b) has received training to such standard as the Secretary of State considers appropriate for the performance of those functions.

(3) A certificate of authorisation continues in force until such date, or the occurrence of such event, as may be specified in the certificate but may be suspended or revoked under paragraph 7 of Schedule 11.

(4) A certificate which authorises the performance of both escort functions and custodial functions may specify one date or event for one of those functions and a different date or event for the other.

[F1 (5) The Secretary of State may confer functions of detainee custody officers on prison officers or prisoner custody officers.]

(6) A prison officer acting under arrangements made under subsection (5) has all the powers, authority, protection and privileges of a constable.

(7) Schedule 11 makes further provision about detainee custody officers.

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 154(5) substituted (10.2.2003) by Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (c. 41), ss. 65(1), 162(1) (with s. 159); S.I. 2003/1, art. 2, Sch.

Commencement Information

I1 S. 154 wholly in force at 2.4.2001; s. 154 not in force at Royal Assent; s. 154(1)-(6) fully in force and s. 154(7) in force for certain purposes at 3.4.2000 and s. 154(7) in force for certain purposes at 1.8.2000 by S.I. 2000/1985, art. 2, Sch.; s. 154 in force so far as not already in force at 2.4.2001 by S.I. 2001/239, art. 2, Sch.