Detention Officer
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.
- Managing conflict and de-escalating situations wherever possible. Physically restraining individuals where necessary to ensure your safety, the safety of your colleagues and the public.
- 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:
- Physically fit individuals who have the fitness to undertake and pass the mandatory Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST) as part of initial training and on an annual basis thereafter. This is a pass/fail element of the training course which may mean employment could be terminated through the appropriate Force process. Please ensure you are physically fit to apply for this role.
- 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 the Detention Officer role involves, please use the following link and password:
https://vimeo.com/428446754 - Password: InsideView20
Please watch this video regarding Public and Personal Safety Training as it is important you take a moment to check that it aligns with your own understanding of the role and what’s expected.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh5tTyVUic4
KEY RECRUITMENT DATES:
AWARENESS EVENTS: if you would like to find out more about the role and the recruitment process, you are invited to attend one of our optional, online awareness events on the following dates.
Thursday 5 February 2026 from 6-7pm - Click here to book your free ticket to the event
Tuesday 24 February 2026 from 6-7pm - Click here to book your free ticket to the event
INTERVIEW: Interviews will be week commencing 9th March 2025. If you are unable to attend these dates please let the recruitment team know when submitting your application.
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 6-week custody course, which will commence on Monday 15 June 2026 until Friday 24 July 2026 and will be based at Middlemoor Police Headquarters, Exeter, EX2 7HQ regardless of your base station.
If you are unable to attend any dates within this 6-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.
Please note. The shift pattern is under review and is subject to change, the shift pattern attached is an example of what the shifts may look like.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Owing to the shift work for the role, candidates will need to have reached the age of 18 by the start date.