Detention Officer

Our Detention Officer recruitment is currently closed. We will update this page when it reopens.

You can find out more about the role of a Detention Officer below.

Be at the heart of policing. Be someone who protects the vulnerable. Be proud to wear the uniform. Be someone who makes a difference. Be challenged. Be exceptional. Be a Detention Officer.

Step up. Make a difference. Join us.

We require the very best individuals to join us to help make us a representative and diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve. That’s why we are actively encouraging people from all backgrounds to apply for our latest Detention Officer recruitment drive, including those from underrepresented and diverse communities.

However we understand that not everybody starts from the same position and there might be barriers preventing people from achieving their potential. That’s why our Better Together team use Positive Action to remove barriers for people from all nine protected characteristics.

The team provide workshops and one-to-one support on application skills and interview techniques to help level the playing field for applicants.

What does the role involve?

This is a challenging but immensely rewarding role that changes from minute-to-minute as you’ll help keep people in Gloucestershire safe from harm - inside and outside of the cells. Detention Officer's are a critical part of the police service and are responsible for the welfare and rights of people in custody. They also:

• Search detainees
• Book people into custody
• Take fingerprints, DNA and images
• Liaise with partner agencies such as solicitors and healthcare professionals

Full-time roles:

Successful candidates will work a four on four off shift pattern comprised of two days (7am-7pm) and two nights (7pm to 7am) hours with plenty of rest days in between to ensure a healthy work-life balance.

Variable hour roles:

Successful candidates who are employed in a variable hours role will be called upon to support the Constabulary when our capacity is lower. This is a flexible arrangement where we will ask for support from the pool of variable hours employees. You can then decide if you would like to work at that time or not. There is no pressure for you to work and may be well suited to individuals who would enjoy opportunities to work around other commitments in their lives.

Please note: There is an initial four-week course that will need to be attended from mid-September 2022. After this, an initial two week shift (four on, four off) will need to be carried out to ensure your training is complete. 

How much will I be paid?

Detention Officers receive a 34.81% shift allowance on top of their basic full time salary of £20,118 - £21,399.

What's in it for you?

As you'd expect from one of the largest employers in the county, you'll enjoy an excellent benefits package. Located at our HQ, which is just off Junction 12 of the M5, you'll have access to an onsite gym and sports facilities, a comprehensive wellbeing package and receive recognition of excellence through our internal awards programme

Who can apply?

Being a people person, having first class communication skills, treating people with dignity and respect as well as having the ability to handle complex and sometimes volatile situations are the key attributes for a Detention Officer. To apply for one of our Detention Officer roles, you'll also need to:

• Be 18-years-old or over.
• Have four GCSE's at C or above (including Maths and English) or transferable equivalents.
• Be computer literate.
• Have experience of dealing with the public in a customer service based role.
• Be able to work as part of team.
• Have experience of managing conflict or disagreement.

Please note that successful candidates will be required to attend a 4 and a half-week training programme at our training venue, predominantly at the Sabrina Centre in Berkeley with some variations, to equip them with all of the skills they'll need for the role.

How do I apply?

Our Detention Officer recruitment is currently closed. We will advertise on this page when it next opens.