Blackpool custody detention officer talks about dealing with the resort's criminals as Lancashire Police looks to recruit more on the force

Nick Wood, 53, from Bispham has been in the job since 2003 and he says that no day is the same at Blackpool Police Station.

He said: “It was a real eye opener when I first took the job because I thought it was going to be something like Ronnie Barker in Porridge but working in Blackpool you get all sorts of people coming in so you never know what each day is going to bring.”

Nick also said he finds humour helps a lot of the time when dealing with detainees.

He said: “When people are brought into the station they have been arrested but not convicted so you can’t consider them as guilty.

“You have to keep a completely open mind with every single person but you also have to have a good sense of humour as I find it really does help if the situation allows.”

Lancashire Police is currently recruiting for CDOs across the county.

A spokesman for the force said: “CDOs perform a vital role in the smooth running of the custody suite, ensuring the safety and well-being of detainees and visitors.

“CDOs are responsible for detainees from the moment they arrive at the police station. Tasks include booking them in, logging their possessions, taking their fingerprints and photographs and making sure they are secure in a cell.”

As well as the custody suite at Blackpool’s West Division HQ, Lancashire Police has suites at Blackburn, Burnley, Lancaster, Preston and Skelmersdale.

To apply for one of the roles go to www.lancashire.police.uk/join-us/ and for further information email the recruitment team via [email protected].