Detention Officer

Job Details

Job Title: Detention Officer - HC615905
Location: Southampton, Portsmouth and Basingstoke
Salary: Scale 5, £27,789 per annum, plus 20% Shift allowance & Weekend enhancements. 
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37 per week – Shift working, including weekends, early mornings, late night, & Night shifts.

Closing Date: This advert will remain open until 14th April 2024. However, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. If you are successful, Interviews will be held in May and we would look to start you in role in September 2024.

Policing is a career like no other. Our police officers, police staff and volunteers show courage, teamwork and compassion on a daily basis to make a real difference to people’s lives in the communities they serve.

We look for all kinds of skills, because we know it takes all kinds of people to protect the public. Problem solving, compassion, resilience, respect, courage and teamwork. These are the qualities we are looking for, and if you think you might have the skills to serve why not apply?

About the role

As a Detention Officer you will be based in one of our state of the art Police Investigation Centres, where colleagues from many different roles are located. The custody suite, where you’ll spend the majority of your time, is at the heart of the police station.

Detention Officers are using their skills to play an increasingly important part in the way custody suites are run. You'll not only help in the smooth running of the station, but also provide support to detainees who are facing one of the most difficult times of their lives. The role is definitely challenging, but can also be incredibly rewarding and varied.

You'll need to be alert at all times, thinking on your feet and making informed decisions. A key task is assisting the Custody Officer in providing an excellent level of care to some of the most vulnerable individuals in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. You'll complete all aspects of the booking in process and when required facilitate disposal procedures for detainees. Take their fingerprints, photographs and DNA, record their possessions and make sure they're safe and secure. During their time in custody, you'll regularly monitor a detainee’s condition and behaviour, where necessary assist with investigative procedures and preservation of evidence whilst maintaining the safety and security of all personnel within the custody suite. There will be phone calls to answer, solicitors and other agencies to deal with and a whole host of other tasks to do, as well as supporting your colleagues and the custody sergeant. 

Successful candidates will undertake a five and half week training course, which is assessed throughout. You will receive training on all aspects of your role and where it sits within the Criminal Justice System; on relevant legislation, bespoke police systems and your designated powers; on personal safety training techniques and emergency life support skills. Some people join the constabulary to be a career Detention Officer and others join as it opens up opportunities to develop skills and experience needed to serve in other roles such as a police officer.