Detention Officer

A Detention Officer is responsible for assisting police officers and custody sergeants when processing people who have been arrested and detained in a police custody suite.   This is an essential role that also has responsibilities relating to preserving the welfare, health, security and dignity of detainees in police custody. 

Our Detention Officers support some of the most vulnerable people within the Avon and Somerset area, making an important contribution to the wider criminal justice system by ensuring detainee’s welfare needs and legal requirements are adhered to. Working as part of a close team, your duties range from liaising with solicitors, health professionals, courts and families of the detained, to taking DNA samples and fingerprints. No two days are the same, you will play a vital role in keeping the general running of our custody suite running smoothly. You may have worked in a similar role previously, but your experiences in a voluntary or personal capacity dealing with difficult people in difficult situations is also relevant.   

You will be responsible for detainees from the moment they arrive at the police station - this will include booking them in, carrying out searches, securing belongings, taking fingerprints, photographs and DNA samples.  Also ensuring the well-being of detainees by distributing bedding, ensuring exercise, preparing and serving of food and drinks as required. 

In this role, your main responsibilities will be:

• Supervise detainees in custody suites and visitors, patrolling the cell complex and ensuring the security and integrity of the building
• Deal with general enquiries over the phone and in person, ensuring confidentiality is maintained
• Supervise and transport arrested persons under direction
• Taking identifying information from detainees such as fingerprints, footwear impressions, digital images including identifying marks
• Searching and securing of property, if necessary by force 
• Arrange access to legal advisors and medical professionals 
  
  

 Skills, experience and qualifications required:

• Excellent communication skills, demonstrate confidence when speaking to people face to face and over the telephone
• Skilled in the use of standard IT packages and willingness to learn new computer packages
• Ability to manage challenging behaviour and determine appropriate action
• Experience or an ability to make informed decisions
• Understanding of confidentiality and ability to understand relevant legislation
• Experience of working within a similar environment and having responsibility for the welfare and security of individuals would advantageous, however training will be provided.
• A full driving licence is essential to this role.

Additional Information

These roles involve working shifts that include evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays. In addition to your salary, you will receive shift allowances bringing your total compensation to £27,628 - £30,595 (pro-rota).

We have a number of full time positions available working 37 hours per week, we also welcome application from people looking to work part time. This will be a job share arrangement working 18.5 hours per week.

All successful candidates will be required to complete a three week training course, on a full time basis based at Police Headquarters, Portishead.

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.

Does this sound like the role for you? Click the link below to apply.