Detention Officer Bedfordshire

Please note, if this is a paid role and the role is part time then the salary quoted will be pro rata based on the hours worked per annum.

£269.89 per hour annually at 20%; 20%; 37 hours;
Competency and Value Framework (CVF) Level 1

Closing Date: 22/06/2026, 23:55

We are currently recruiting for candidates to join Bedfordshire Police as a Custody Detention Officer.

Working as part of a team in support of custody Sergeants, Detention Officers carry out a multi-functional role within very busy custody units. The custody units are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The custody department is managed collaboratively by a senior management team who manage custody units across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. Custody staff are supervised locally by custody sergeants and dedicated custody inspectors.

Ensuring that persons in police detention are afforded their rights and entitlements and are cared for and treated ethically and in accordance with legislation and Home Office rules.

Reception of police detainees, including the creation of computer records to book persons into police custody and the recording of actions and activities during detention.

Ensuring the welfare needs of detainees are met through the development and implementation of a care plan.

Monitoring multiple detainees and responding to individual needs.

Taking fingerprints, DNA and photographs of detainees.

Maintenance of custody, including safety checks and cleanliness of the facility.

• Physical fitness to pass a medical assessment if required and ability to complete annual Staff Protection Training.

• Updated CV with past and present work history, detailing any gaps of employment.

• Ability to work under pressure, with resilience and flexibility.

• Patience and compassion.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to treat individuals fairly, regardless of circumstance.

• Ability to work as part of a team.

• Eye for detail and good working knowledge of Microsoft Office or similar computer packages.

• Ability to travel independently to other custody suites within Bedfordshire to cover staff abstractions.

Interview process includes an interview and medical questionnaire. Interviews take place in person; further details will be provided if shortlisted. Fully paid training will be provided. Successful candidates will complete a five‑week training programme followed by a period of mentoring in the workplace.

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Access to the Blue Light Card scheme
• Free access to force gyms

Detention Officers are expected to work within a shift pattern, including nights and weekends across a rotating shift pattern.

Location:

Kempston and Luton Police Stations.

All internal applicants must have successfully completed their probationary period to apply for this role.

Internal applicants within Bedfordshire Police, Cambridgeshire Constabulary or Hertfordshire Constabulary (BCH) should upload either a CV or provide relevant skills, experiences and qualifications on a Word or PDF document.

This vacancy is live to those at risk of redundancy and will remain open to redeployees until the conditional offer stage throughout the recruitment process. Redeployees will take priority over other applicants during the recruitment process until conditional offer. If a redeployee is successful and accepts an offer, they will remain on their home force’s terms and conditions.

As a Disability Confident leader, we take personal responsibility to help create an inclusive workplace, where police officers and staff respect one another, feel valued for their differences and can be themselves. We are committed to providing workplace adjustments, wherever needed so everyone feels welcome and can flourish. If you have a disability and you meet the minimum criteria for the position you are applying for, you will be entitled to an interview under the ‘Offer an Interview Scheme’.

It is recommended that you download and store a copy of the role profile as this will no longer be…