Detention Officer – Criminal Justice
Grade C – £27,204 – £29,859 + 34.06% Equalisation Allowance
Shift Worker | Various Locations across Merseyside (Copy Lane, Wirral, Belle Vale, St Anne Street)
Join Us. Make a Difference in Your Community.
Merseyside Police
Merseyside Police is a dynamic, challenging, and rewarding place to work. We take pride in everything we do and are committed to putting the communities of Merseyside first.
We are committed to continuous improvement across our organisation, including tackling Serious Organised Crime, ending Violence Against Women & Girls, strengthening Diversity & Inclusion, and building public trust and confidence through Community Engagement.
We are a supportive employer that invests in our people and provides opportunities for career development, flexible working, generous annual leave, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, and access to a range of wellbeing facilities. Our modern headquarters also offers free parking and on-site gym facilities.
The Role
We’re offering an exciting opportunity to join Merseyside Police as a Detention Officer within one of our Custody Suites across the region.
We are looking for motivated individuals with strong communication skills to join our Custody teams. In this role, you’ll support the safe care, processing, and welfare of detainees while working in a fast‑paced, professional environment.
As a Detention Officer, you’ll work in a supportive and fast‑paced environment where people are valued and development is encouraged. You’ll be joining a team committed to your growth, wellbeing, and success.
Working under the supervision of the Custody Sergeant, you will play a vital role in the safe, lawful, and respectful care of detained persons. Full training is provided.
Key Responsibilities
- Receive and process detainees using Force and national IT systems, ensuring accurate custody records and documentation.
- Support detainee welfare by preparing meals, providing first aid where needed, and supervising hygiene and exercise.
- Facilitate the secure movement of detainees within the custody suite.
- Process prisoners, including searching, fingerprinting, updating PNC records, and obtaining photographs.
- Monitor detainees in line with the Custody Sergeant’s Care Plan, ensuring health, safety, and welfare needs are met.
- Respond to enquiries and escort visitors, maintaining safety and security.
- Provide evidence for prosecution purposes and attend court when required.
- Liaise with external agencies (appropriate adults, solicitors, medical staff, interpreters).
- Conduct regular checks of stocks, equipment, and cells to ensure standards are maintained.
Recruitment Process
We are currently recruiting for training start dates from April 2027 onwards.
Stage One – Online Application and Shortlisting
Submit your application along with a 1000‑word statement - giving of examples of why you are suitable for the role. Please use the Job Description and Competency and values framework (CVF) | College of Policing to structure your evidence. You may wish to provide examples of evidence where you have demonstrated each competency in the framework which relate to the job description.
Please ensure that you upload your 1000‑word evidence , copy of your CV and any relevant qualifications to the qualifications/supporting evidence section of the application. Applicants who do not submit this evidence may be disqualified. If you have any problems with uploading your evidence, please contact careers@merseyside.police.uk
Stage Two – Face-to-Face Interview
If successful at shortlisting, you’ll be invited to a structured, face to face interview
Stage Three – If successful at interview, Conditional Offer & Pre‑Employment Checks start
Stage Four - Pre-employment checks including references, medical health assessment and if successful, final stage vetting checks when allocated to an intake.
Final Stage/Offer - If successful at all pre-employment checks, a formal offer letter will be issued with confirmation of custody suite, salary and training
Training lasts approximately 4 weeks, paid at 36.5 hours per week (without shift allowance) and will be mostly classroom based but will involve personal safety training.
After training, you will move onto your shift pattern and begin receiving the 34.06% equalisation allowance, with regular overtime opportunities available.
Application Requirements
Applicants who have been unsuccessful for this role previously must wait a minimum of 3 months before applying again
To be eligible, you must provide evidence that you meet the minimum skills criteria
Please use the attached JDQ and CVF to structure your evidence when completing your 1,000‑word supporting evidence.
Click here for an example of the shift pattern you will be working
Click here for the full JDQ
Click here for the CVF (Competencies and Values Framework) which you will be assessed against
For assistance or enquiries, email careers@merseyside.police.uk
A Note on Using Artificial Intelligence
AI tools may support idea‑generation, structure, or proofreading, but your application must reflect your own experience, skills, and voice. Do not copy and paste AI‑generated content.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality & Inclusion
We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from women and Black and ethnic minority candidates.
Our Outreach Team provides guidance and support for candidates from under‑represented groups. If you require reasonable adjustments, please let us know so we can support
To learn more about available support, contact: Outreach@merseyside.police.uk
