OVERVIEW

Cooke & Associates, Inc. is seeking professional, operationally focused In Custody Officers to provide custody and continuous monitoring of suspects who are under arrest and receiving medical treatment in hospitals or medical facilities. This is a statewide opening with regional assignments in Northern California, the Central Valley, and Southern California.

This role exists to support law enforcement agencies by assuming hospital guard responsibilities for in-custody suspects, allowing sworn officers to return to patrol and investigative duties. In Custody Officers are assigned exclusively to hospital or medical environments and are responsible for maintaining control, security, and continuity of custody throughout a suspect’s medical stay. This position is limited to hospital-based custody and monitoring only and does not include transportation or external movement of suspects.

POSITION DETAILS

Location:        

This is a statewide position with regional assignments in Northern California, the Central Valley, and Southern California. Officers will be assigned to hospitals and medical facilities within their designated region based on operational needs.

Schedule:       

This is a part-time, on-call, and as-needed role. Assignments are scheduled based on law enforcement and hospital demand and may include days, nights, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts. Officers must be available to respond to assignments with limited advance notice. There is no guaranteed minimum number of hours.

Employment Status:  

Part-time, on-call, as-needed.

Role Type:      

Security-sensitive, armed in-custody services role supporting law enforcement agencies in hospital and medical environments.

Compensation:           

$45.00 per hour. Overtime eligibility applies in accordance with state and Federal labor laws.

POSITION SUMMARY

The In Custody Officer is responsible for the custody, restraint, and continuous, in-person monitoring of suspects who are under arrest and admitted to hospitals or medical facilities. Custody is maintained exclusively within the medical setting from the point responsibility is transferred by the arresting agency until custody is formally released or transferred back.

The officer remains physically present with the suspect at all times while the suspect is hospitalized, including during hospital room stays, surgery, medical procedures, recovery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, or diagnostic services. The In Custody Officer ensures the suspect remains properly restrained, monitored, and secured while coordinating closely with hospital staff, the arresting agency, and CAI operations.

This role operates strictly within CAI policies, client post orders, and hospital protocols. If required, the In Custody Officer must testify in court regarding incidents or actions occurring while the suspect was in custody.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assume custody of suspects from law enforcement personnel at hospitals or medical facilities, ensuring proper transfer of responsibility and verification of documentation.

• Maintain continuous, in-person supervision of in-custody suspects while they are admitted to the hospital, including while assigned to hospital rooms, during surgery, medical procedures, recovery, rehabilitation, or physical therapy.
• Ensure the suspect remains properly restrained at all times in accordance with arresting agency direction, hospital protocols, and CAI policies.
• Remain physically present with the suspect throughout the hospital stay and during all hospital-directed movement within the facility.
• Monitor and document all movements, interactions, visitors, and notable activity involving the suspect.
• Ensure the safety and security of hospital staff, patients, visitors, and the suspect while maintaining custody.
• Control and document access to the suspect, ensuring only authorized medical personnel, law enforcement representatives, or approved individuals are permitted contact.
• Prevent suspects from accessing unauthorized items, including cell phones, weapons, medications, or personal property not approved by medical staff or law enforcement.
• Provide ongoing communication and real-time status updates to CAI Global Security Operations Center (GSOC), investigators, and agency dispatch, including medical updates, visitor activity, and significant observations.
• Utilize approved de-escalation techniques and authorized use-of-force methods when responding to resistant or combative behavior, consistent with training, policy, and the medical environment.
• Coordinate professionally with hospital security, nursing staff, physicians, and law enforcement agencies to ensure continuity of care and custody.
• Accurately document all activities, custody actions, and incidents in accordance with reporting and evidentiary standards.
• Testify in court when required regarding incidents or actions occurring while the suspect was in custody.
• This role does not include transportation or external movement of suspects. All transport responsibilities remain with the arresting agency or other authorized personnel.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent, including GED or California Proficiency Certificate.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of public safety support experience OR ten (10) years of in-custody experience.
• Valid and active state-issued guard card and exposed firearm permit.
• All required licenses and permits must be current and maintained in active status throughout employment.
• Ability to work a part-time, on-call, as-needed schedule with limited advance notice.
• Ability to successfully complete pre-employment and ongoing background checks and drug screening.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or ability to obtain within a required timeframe.
• Ability to understand and comply with HIPAA requirements, confidentiality standards, and internal procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, remain calm under pressure, and follow policies and procedures.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency, including email and report documentation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior training in defensive tactics, arrest and control techniques, or de-escalation strategies.
• Experience working in hospital, medical, or other regulated environments.

TECHNOLOGY AND REPORTING EXPECTATIONS

• Ability to use radios, mobile phones, and communication devices.
• Ability to use basic business computer applications, including email and internal reporting systems.
• Ability to complete accurate electronic and written reports, custody logs, and incident documentation in a timely manner.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand and remain alert for extended periods.
• Ability to walk throughout hospital facilities and respond to incidents as required.
• Ability to restrain or control individuals consistent with training and policy.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.

WHO THIS ROLE IS NOT FOR

This role is NOT suited for individuals seeking a passive or observational security position, or for candidates unwilling to operate within a structured professional environment that prioritizes professionalism, discretion, and adherence to protocol. This position REQUIRES consistent engagement, situational awareness, and initiative.

This role is NOT for individuals who are unmotivated, non-proactive, or unwilling to maintain an active presence. Standing idle, excessive personal phone use, lack of professional interaction, or failure to engage with the environment and those within it are NOT aligned with the expectations of this role. The In Custody Officer is expected to remain alert, visible, and professionally engaged at all times as an active member of the security operation, not as a static or “warm-body” post.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Employment with Cooke & Associates, Inc. is at-will, meaning that you or Cooke & Associates, Inc. may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice.

Cooke & Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor under federal, state, or local law.