Detention Officer (Buckinghamshire

Band 2E, circa £37,484 per annum (including all unsocial hours allowances on qualifying shifts) plus benefits

As a Detention Officer, you will be based at one of our Aylesbury or Milton Keynes custody suites in Buckinghamshire, providing support to Custody Officers and police investigators as they deal with a range of individuals – some being the most challenging and vulnerable in society. You will be the first point of contact in the suite for both officers and detainees, and will be responsible for managing risks and assessing vulnerabilities 24/7, 365 days a year under the supervision of Police Sergeants.

You will assist in the preparation, completion and administration of all documentation, information and computer records relating to persons in custody to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and operational accuracy, as well as responding to dynamic situations that will require you to think fast and act professionally.

You will be IT-literate, full of initiative and have excellent communication skills. You will maintain resilience when physically confronted. You will have proven ability to work flexibly and in a shift environment, and must also be willing to work at other locations in line with operational demand.

You will be required to complete at least 12 months’ service in the role of Detention Officer before you can move to other roles.

Entry Requirements

• English Language/Literature GCSE (Grade 9-4/A-C) or equivalent qualification such as Level 2 Functional Skills or higher academic qualifications - certificates will be required, or details on how to obtain alternative proof of qualifications can be found on our Detention Officer careers page . If you do not hold the mentioned qualification/s, recent equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
• Age 18 at date of employment (though you can apply at age 17) - no upper age limit
• Full UK driving licence

  • access to own transport is required by completion of training

  • we are unlikely to progress applications from those living more than 40 road miles or a 1 hour commute from your preferred police station

  • some travel to other custody suites may at times be required. Applicants should consider that Thames Valley Police operates suites at several sites including Abingdon, Aylesbury, Banbury, High Wycombe, Loddon Valley, Maidenhead, Milton Keynes and Newbury

• The ability to undertake the standard fitness test and achieve level 5 shuttle 4

Training

• Five weeks’ training based at our training sites (Kidlington and Sulhamstead), designed to give you a solid understanding in the essentials of a Detention Officer’s role and powers.
• Receive officer safety training, which includes de-escalation and restraint techniques, as well as first aid training to College of Policing standards.

Successful candidates will go into a recruitment pool to fill planned Detention Officer courses in late 2026/early 2027, subject to vacancies.

If you have any queries please contact the Recruitment Team on Recruitment St quoting reference 5678/15251 (Bu).

The closing date for enquiries and receipt of completed applicati ons is Monday 31st August 2026. Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier dependent on application numbers.

At Thames Valley Police (TVP) we work together to protect our communities. Whether as an officer, staff member or volunteer, you will make a difference and play an important role in helping achieve our mission. As you take on a role with pride and confidence, you will be supported, developed and valued, ensuring you can be at your best in the service of our communities.

Learn more About Us .

Working Smart . You will be joining an organisation that strives to improve every day. In the post-pandemic era this means changing the way we work and deliver our services, which brings a number of benefits including a more flexible and capable workforce.

Supporting You . Your wellbeing and safety is at the heart of all we do. Whilst you are doing the work that matters, we’ll be supporting you via a wide range of Wellbeing services, partnerships and initiatives. We have a number of active staff support networks and buddy schemes which you…