As a Detention Officer, you’ll play a vital role in supporting the welfare and wellbeing of people in police custody, working closely with Custody Officers to assess risk, provide care and safeguard detainees, while helping them access the support and services they need to make positive changes in their lives.
Annual Starting Salary: £30,333 – £32,613
No two days are the same in custody. You’ll support the safe care and management of detainees by assisting with booking-in procedures, conducting searches, monitoring welfare, maintaining accurate records and supporting risk assessments.
Helping people at a critical moment.
Join us and play a vital role in keeping people safe, supporting rehabilitation and making a positive difference to lives every day.
Detention Officer vacancies are now open. Apply now to start your career with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.
- The role
- Day to day work
- Your development
- Skills needed
- Working patterns and pay
- Eligibility and application
As a detention officer, you'll play a vital role in supporting the safe and effective operation of police custody suites.
As a Detention Officer, you’ll play a vital role in supporting the safe and effective running of our custody suites across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Working alongside Custody Officers and policing colleagues, you’ll ensure the welfare and safety of detainees, complete booking-in procedures, gather fingerprints, photographs and DNA, monitor welfare, and support investigative processes.
This is a varied and rewarding role that requires strong communication skills, sound judgement and the ability to remain calm under pressure. No previous custody experience is required, as full training will be provided.
What will you be doing when you start with us?
No two days are the same, but your responsibilities may include:
- Booking detainees into custody and assisting with processing procedures
- Conducting searches and documenting property
- Monitoring detainee welfare and carrying out observations
- Supporting risk assessments and identifying vulnerabilities
- Maintaining accurate custody records and documentation
- Escorting detainees within the custody environment
- Providing meals, refreshments and access to necessary facilities
- Facilitating legal visits, interviews and healthcare appointments
- Working closely with police officers, healthcare professionals and partner agencies
- Responding appropriately to incidents or welfare concerns within custody
You’ll regularly interact with people from all backgrounds, often during difficult or challenging circumstances.
What progression options are available?
As a detention officer, you’ll receive training and support to help you succeed in the role.
Your development may include:
- Initial custody and detention officer training
- Personal safety training
- First aid training
- Safeguarding and vulnerability training
- Legislation and custody procedure training
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
- Access to wellbeing support and resources
You will be part of a professional team committed to continuous learning and delivering the highest standards of service.
What skills do you need?
We’re looking for people who can remain calm, professional and compassionate in challenging situations.
Key skills include:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
- Good observational skills and attention to detail
- Sound judgement and decision-making abilities
- Professionalism and integrity
- Resilience and emotional awareness
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Commitment to treating people with dignity and respect
- Accurate record-keeping and administrative skills
Experience in customer service, healthcare, social care, security, prison services, the military or other public-facing roles can provide valuable transferable skills.
What skills do you need?
Detention officers provide a 24/7 service, meaning the role typically involves working shifts, which includes working days, evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays, including Christmas, Easter and New Year.
You would receive a salary of around £30,333 to £32,613, plus a 20% shift allowance and weekend enhancements, which can add around £700 per month.
Additional benefits may include:
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Pension scheme
- Employee wellbeing support
- Learning and development opportunities
- Occupational health services
- Access to staff discounts and benefits
Please refer to the vacancy advert for the most up-to-date salary and benefits information.
What are your next steps?
Ready to Apply?
If you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can make a difference every day, we’d love to hear from you.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must:
- Be aged 18 or over at the point of appointment
- Have the right to work in the UK
- Meet the required vetting standards
- Meet Force-specific eligibility requirements
- Demonstrate the values and behaviours expected within policing
- Application process
The recruitment process includes:
- An online application
- Shortlisting
- Assessment and interview
- Pre-employment checks
- Vetting and employment screening
- Offer and onboarding
If you have any questions about police staff recruitment, please email police.recruitment@hampshire.police.uk
Alternatively, please call us on 023 80 451611. This phone line is staffed 08:30-16:30, Monday to Friday (with a voicemail facility outside of these hours).
Find your Place.
Find your Purpose.
Join a team where your skills matter. Our police staff are at the heart of everything we do, providing the expertise and support that helps keep our communities safe. We are committed to helping you succeed through training, career development, flexible working and wellbeing support.
