Detention Officer
Owing to the shift work for the role, candidates will need to have reached the age of 18 by the start date.
Are you looking for a new challenging yet rewarding role where you can make a real difference? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have the resilience to handle unpredictable situations? If so, a role as a Detention Officer could be your next career move!
About the Role
As a Detention Officer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and welfare of individuals in custody while supporting operational policing. This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of our criminal justice system, managing detainees with professionalism, integrity, and compassion.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Ensuring all necessary records are accurately maintained.
- Carrying out welfare checks and responding to detainee needs in accordance with regulations.
- Assisting custody officers in risk assessments and maintaining a secure environment.
- Conducting searches and handling property in line with procedures.
- Working closely with officers and partner agencies to uphold detainee rights and well-being.
What We’re Looking For:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
- Attention to detail and the ability to follow procedures precisely.
- A team player who can also take initiative when required.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a dedicated team making a tangible impact on policing.
- A role that offers variety—no two days are the same!
- Training and development opportunities to support your progression.
To see a video about what Detention Officer work involves, please use the following link and password:
Password: InsideView20
INTERVIEW: The selection stage will consist of a structured interview.
CUSTODY TRAINING COURSE: Candidates who are successful through the recruitment process will be required to undertake a mandatory 5-week custody course which will be based at Winfrith Police Headquarters, Dorset, DT2 8DZ. Some course modules will be held at other sites (Bournemouth, Ferndown), in these cases you will be eligible for travel expenses to the training venue.
If you are unable to attend any dates within this 5-week training course please contact the Alliance Resourcing team who will confirm what options would be available to you.
Please note: If you are wishing to work on a part-time or ad hoc basis you will be required to attend the training course on a full time basis.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Very recently we were informed that Dorset Police can receive a £1.6m allocation in 25/26 to increase the numbers of police officers and staff working in frontline neighbourhood policing roles. Plans have been submitted about how we intend to spend this money, and we are awaiting final approval from the Home Office. We are looking forward to the Government endorsing our plans, but to enable us to bring candidates in for planned intakes and training, we have made the decision to go live ahead of formal approval.
Please be advised that the current Detention Officer shift pattern published with this job advert is currently undergoing a review, and consultation is taking place with affected Dorset Police staff on a new proposed shift pattern. Once consultation has closed, all affected staff, including new starters already appointed, will be issued 12 weeks’ notice of the change, along with a copy of the new shift pattern, should the decision be to proceed with the proposed shift pattern.
As part of our duty of care and in line with the Equality Act 2010, we need to establish whether you will be able to carry out functions that are essential to the role for which you are applying (with reasonable adjustments where appropriate). This role has been identified as one that requires the enhanced medical check. Candidates who successfully clear pre-employment checks will, as part of a conditional offer of employment, be sent the required form for completion.