Policing is a career like no other. Our police officers, police staff and volunteers show courage, teamwork and compassion on a daily basis to make a real difference to people’s lives in the communities they serve.
Job Details
Job Title: Detention Officer - HC622384
Location: Southampton, Portsmouth, Basingstoke or Isle of Wight
Salary: Scale 5, £29,109.00 per annum - £31,296.00, plus 20% Shift allowance & Weekend enhancements (approximately £700 per month in addition to salary).
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37 per week – Shift working, including weekends, early mornings, late night, & Night shifts.
Closing Date: Sunday 26th October 2025 at 23:59hours.
Start date of this role will be January or May 2026.
Please be aware that interviews will be held on the first week of November 2025.
Inital trainng will be held at Support Headquarters Netley
About the role
As a Detention Officer you will be based in Southampton, Portsmouth, Basingstoke or Isle of Wight, where colleagues from many different roles are located. The custody suite, where you’ll spend the majority of your time, is at the heart of the police station.
Detention Officers are using their skills to play an increasingly important part in the way custody suites are run. You'll not only help in the smooth running of the station, but also provide support to detainees who are facing one of the most difficult times of their lives. The role is definitely challenging, but can also be incredibly rewarding and varied.
You don't need to have done this type of role before, life skills are important. You'll need to be alert at all times, thinking on your feet and making informed decisions. A key task is assisting the Custody Officer in providing an excellent level of care to some of the most vulnerable individuals in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. You'll complete all aspects of the booking in process and when required facilitate disposal procedures for detainees. Take their fingerprints, photographs and DNA, record their possessions and make sure they're safe and secure. During their time in custody, you'll regularly monitor a detainee’s condition and behaviour, where necessary assist with investigative procedures and preservation of evidence whilst maintaining the safety and security of all personnel within the custody suite. There will be phone calls to answer, solicitors and other agencies to deal with and a whole host of other tasks to do, as well as supporting your colleagues and the custody sergeant.
Successful candidates will undertake a five and half week training course, which is assessed throughout. You will receive training on all aspects of your role and where it sits within the Criminal Justice System; on relevant legislation, bespoke police systems and your designated powers; on personal safety training techniques and emergency life support skills. Some people join the constabulary to be a career Detention Officer and others join as it opens up opportunities to develop skills and experience needed to serve in other roles such as a police officer.