Job Description

Detention Officer's

play a key role in the management and processing of individuals who have been arrested and are in police custody. This integral role ensures the smooth operation of our police custody facilities while upholding safety, security, and detainee rights.

The role:

Working as part of a close team, your duties will include:

Booking and processing detainees by recording personal details, photographing, fingerprinting, taking DNA samples and ensuring documentation is completed. Supervising and monitoring individuals in custody, ensuring their safety and welfare in person and via CCTV. Including having an awareness of any medical and mental health conditions that may affect them and support they may need during their stay. Providing for the well-being of detainees by distributing bedding, preparing, and serving meals and beverages as needed, and overseeing access to wash and exercise facilities Administrative duties, such as creating and managing paper records, making and answering phone calls, and ensuring accurate detention logs are made for each detainee throughout their stay in custody. Being responsible for the for the upkeep and maintenance of all custody facilities, this includes completion of regular checks, logging of faults and the cleaning of custody areas where appropriate.

What we are looking for:

No previous experience is necessary as full training will be provided, however experience of working within a similar environment and having responsibility for the welfare and security of individuals would be advantageous. For example, Security Officer, Prison Officer.


While our custody centres are a safe place to work, on occasion you will encounter confrontational, aggressive and sometimes violent behaviour. Due to this you will need to be able to communicate effectively to de-escalate situations. Full Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST) will be provided as part of the four-week training course.

Essential skills required:

Strong communication skills, including clear verbal communication, active listening and conflict de-escalation. Ability to deal with agitated or non-compliant individuals, preventing confrontations without using force. Basic IT skills to effectively manage administrative tasks, including data entry, email communication and standard office software (e.g. Microsoft Word & Excel) A full driving licence is essential to this role including the ability to drive around the force area when required.

Our recruitment process:

All candidates are required to attend a

virtual familiarisation session

to learn more about the role of a Detention Officer. This session will provide valuable insights into the responsibilities, requirements, and career opportunities associated with the position. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, meet our team, and better understand what it takes to succeed in this role. We encourage you to join us for this informative event, which will help you feel more prepared and confident as you move forward in the application process.

Additional Information

Custody centres operate 24/7, 365 days a year. The roles involve working a six on, four off, shift pattern. The shift pattern includes earlies, lates, nights including weekends and bank holidays.


We are recruiting for roles based at Bridgwater, Keynsham and Patchway Police Centres.


During the interview process you will be asked for a preference as to which of the three custody centre(s) you would like to be based. Where possible we will try to accommodate this preference however this can't always be guaranteed due to the location of the vacancy. Successful applicants will also be expected to work at any of the other custody centres when requested.


A uniform is required for this role, and it will be provided to you.


To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a 3 year 'checkable history' in the UK - ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years.

About us

Diversity is a strength and individuality is an asset.

We recognise the benefit different life experience and perspectives can bring.

We are on a journey to become the most inclusive police force in the country.

Find out more about our benefits and culture

Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

Important information before you commence an application (for external applicants)

You will require the following detail to complete this application form:

National Insurance Number Identification Detail e.g. passport Address information including proof Referee information Full employment history including dates and any qualifications you may have attained Tattoos - you will also be requested to provide photos and describe of any visible tattoos you have

If the role requires you to drive you will also be required to upload details from your full driving licence including photos.

Important information before you commence an application- for ALL applicants

The application system only remains active on a single page for a period of 60 minutes.


Please ensure you allow time to complete your application fully as part complete pages do not save.


If the role has evidence questions you may wish to save these remotely and paste your answers into the boxes at time of submission.