Detention Officer, Gary

Can you tell us about your role?

My primary role is the care of the detainees in Custody.  This includes but is not limited to ensuring they have their medication on time, they have food and drink (which could be described as room service.) Taking photographs, fingerprints and DNA samples as well as testing for drugs (for certain offences).  I will also search the male detainee when they have entered the custody environment to ensure the safety of them and my colleagues.

Are there any particular skills you require to do the role?

Being able to speak to people without judgement is a key skill in this role.  Using IT systems and being competent with them.

What is the best part of your job?

The best part of the job, I believe, is having the ability to bring someone down from a heightened state to gaining their trust whereby they hold a normal conversation with you.

What would a standard day look like for you?

Every day is different, there is no such thing as a standard day.

Essentially the job can be broken down into 4 parts:

• SSDO (Station Security Detention Officer) – Officers on the street will inform you who they have arrested and it is up to the SSDO to load the details on to the system.  You will also be required to check PNC to gather information on the detainee.
• Booking In – This means you conduct a Risk Assessment with the detainee.  Give them their Rights and Entitlements, gain their Consent to Process (fingerprints/DNA)
• Processing – This is where we take the detainee’s Photograph, Fingerprints, DNA and if required, dependent upon the offence, a Drug Test on Arrest (DToA)
• Checking – This is where you get your steps in for the day. You conduct checks of the detainees in their cells ensuring they are safe & well as well as giving them food and drink.

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a Detention Officer?

Come in to the job with an open mind.  Every single day is different and you will deal with all sorts of characters from children to pensioners in every state of mind.

What do you do to unwind when not at work?

I spend time walking the dog, going to the gym and I do love a night at the bingo.

For our current vacancies visit our vacancy page All Hampshire Constabulary Jobs, or if you have any questions, please contact police.recruitment@hampshire.police.uk and we would be happy to help. Alternatively, please call us on 023 8045 1611.