Detention Officer

Salary: £27,204 rising to £29,859 per annum + Excellent Benefits including Government Pension

Location: Police HQ, Winfrith, England OR Police HQ, Weymouth, England

Hours per week: This role is 4x full time posts with 37 average weekly working hours and 1x part time post with 18.5 average weekly working hours hours per week. However, we welcome applications from individuals wishing to work on a part-time basis and we are willing to consider flexible working patterns subject to business need.

Allowances: This role attracts 20% Shift Allowance, Weekend Working Payment (claimable once necessary training has been completed and the full shift pattern is being worked) . For additional information on allowances please see our 'allowances' page.

Are you looking for a new challenging yet rewarding role where you can make a real difference? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have the resilience to handle unpredictable situations? If so, a role as a Detention Officer could be your next career move!

As a Detention Officer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and welfare of individuals in custody while supporting operational policing. This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of our criminal justice system, managing detainees with professionalism, integrity, and compassion.

• Ensuring all necessary records are accurately maintained.
• Carrying out welfare checks and responding to detainee needs in accordance with regulations.
• Managing conflict and de-escalating situations wherever possible. Physically restraining individuals where necessary to ensure your safety, the safety of your colleagues and the public.
• Assisting custody officers in risk assessments and maintaining a secure environment.
• Conducting searches and handling property in line with procedures.
• Working closely with officers and partner agencies to uphold detainee rights and well-being.

• Physically fit individuals who have the fitness to undertake and pass the mandatory Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST) as part of initial training and on an annual basis thereafter. This is a pass/fail element of the training course which may mean employment could be terminated through the appropriate Force process. Please ensure you are physically fit to apply for this role.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
• Attention to detail and the ability to follow procedures precisely.
• A team player who can also take initiative when required.

• Be part of a dedicated team making a tangible impact on policing.
• A role that offers variety—no two days are the same!
• Training and development opportunities to support your progression.

To see a video about what the Detention Officer role involves, please use the following link and password:

Please watch this video regarding Public and Personal Safety Training as it is important you take a moment to check that it aligns with your own understanding of the role and what’s expected.

Thursday 5 February 2026 from 6-7pm -  to book your free ticket to the event

Tuesday 24 February 2026 from 6-7pm -  to book your free ticket to the event

Interviews will be week commencing 9th March 2025. If you are unable to attend these dates please let the recruitment team know when submitting your application.

The selection stage will consist of a structured interview.

Candidates who are successful through the recruitment process will be required to undertake a mandatory 6-week custody course, which will commence on Monday 15 June 2026 until Friday 24 July 2026 and will be based at Middlemoor Police Headquarters, Exeter, EX2 7HQ
regardless of your base station.

If you are unable to attend any dates within this 6-week training course, please contact the Alliance Resourcing team who will confirm what options would be available to you.

Please note:

If you are wishing to work on a part-time or ad hoc basis you will be required to attend the training course on a full time basis.

Please note. The shift pattern is…