Detention Officer

Our Detention Officer recruitment is now closed.

Any future recruitments will be added to this page in due course.

You can find out more about the role of a Detention Officer below and how to apply 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.

How much will I be paid?

Detention Officers receive a 34.81% shift allowance on top of their basic full time salary of £21,432 - £22,677.

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 there is an initial four-week course that will need to be attended from May 2023. After this, an initial two week shift (four on, four off) will need to be carried out to ensure your training is complete. 

How to apply

Dates for future Detention Officer recruitments will be added to this page in due course.