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Sussex Police are excited to open recruitment for the role of Detention Officer working within our custody facilities in Sussex.

As a Detention Officer you will be part of a team responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the custody suite, ensuring the safety and comfort of detainees whilst facilitating access for visitors and contractors when required.

You will receive training in relevant aspects of the law, conflict management, food preparation and first aid as well as also being trained to take fingerprints, footwear impressions and DNA samples.

You need to be competent at using computers and will receive IT training enabling you to enter detainee data into secure police systems. These positions will appeal to applicants who are reliable, enthusiastic, and self-disciplined with good people skills and a cool head. In this role you will see and meet people from all aspects of society, at times dealing with people who are upset, angry and or violent. You will be required to use not only verbal communication skills to process detainees but may also be expected to physically restrain detainees if required. You need to be prepared that you will not always be spoken to or treated with respect by detainees.

Sussex Police have five operational custody centres located at;

• Brighton
• Crawley
• Eastbourne
• Hastings
• Worthing

As part of the application process, you will be asked for your location preference.

Upon completion of training, you will be responsible as part of a team, for all aspects of detainee care including security, supervising exercise, facilitating legal visits and providing food. You will work with custody medical teams for both physical and mental health and oversee other entitlements as required under legislation.

You will need to be a good communicator and team player. Working with a team under the supervision of a police Sergeant and Inspector, you will have dealings with persons from all walks of life. Being firm but fair, observant, compassionate, and having a sense of humour are all qualities which are vital to this role.

It is essential that you hold a full current and valid driving licence and have access to a personal vehicle so that you can travel between centres if required. You may at times be required to work at other custody centres across Sussex to cover shortfalls in staffing through absence and sickness, if this is the case travelling expenses will be paid.

All successful applicants will need to undertake a written health assessment, and where appropriate, participate in a health interview and/or medical assessment as deemed necessary by the Occupational Health Department. This will apply to new recruits and all internal transfers to the role.

Policing is an exciting 24/7 business and we all have commitments outside work. We take pride in looking after our people and offer a variety of benefits;

• career progression
• contributory pension scheme (LGPS)
• generous annual leave allowance
• discounts for everyday spend
• on-site gyms and a range of sports clubs
• generous and supportive parental leave
• financial and mental wellbeing guidance and support
• discounted contributory healthcare scheme

Please use the following links for more information on the benefits of working with Surrey Police or Sussex Police

Please note, that although over the course of 12 months your average working weekly hours equates to 37 hours per week, in reality you will be working six shifts on and four shifts off on a ten-week rotational pattern. Shifts may vary but will be made up of 8, 9 and 10hr shifts, predominantly working two early shifts (0700 x 1600hrs), two late shifts (1400 x 0000hrs) and two-night shifts (2300 x 0700hrs). Twice every ten weeks a training day will be provided reducing days off from four to three.

Upon completion of initial training, you will receive an unsocial hour's allowance equivalent to 34.46% of your salary.

Initial training will Monday to Friday and last 5 weeks, during this time you will be unable to take annual leave. This is to ensure that you have the correct skills to perform the role and have an appropriate amount of time to reinforce learning and develop these within the custody centre.

Due to the training and investment the role is subject to a two-year tenure. During this time, you will be unable to apply for other roles within Sussex Police. This includes applying for the role of Police Officer and Police Community Support Officer.

We recognise that our people are balancing demanding careers with commitments and interests outside of work. We welcome applications and discussion with candidates who want to work full-time or part-time/flexible hours.

If you think you have what it takes to and want to help us deliver a progressive, safe, effective, and efficient custody service then apply using the link below. If you have any questions about the role, then please email