Detention Officer Graduate
Locations: Southampton, Portsmouth, Basingstoke or Isle of Wight
Salary: £29,109 – £31,296 (Scale 5), plus a 20% shift allowance & weekend enhancements (~£700 extra per month)
Contract: Permanent, 37 hours per week (shift work: days, late shifts, night shifts, weekends)
Start Dates: January or May 2026
Why This Role Matters
As a Detention Officer, you’ll work in the custody suites at police stations — places where people who have been arrested are held temporarily. This role is vital to public safety and justice. You’ll help ensure detainees are treated fairly and safely while supporting the police in investigations. It’s a challenging role, but one where your work is meaningful every day.
You don’t need prior custody or policing experience — life skills, good judgment, and compassion matter most.
What You’ll Be Doing
Some of your responsibilities will include:
* Supporting the Custody Officer to provide high-quality care to detainees
* Handling the booking‑in process : taking fingerprints, photos, DNA, recording personal property, etc.
* Monitoring detainees — observing their condition and behaviour
* Helping with investigative tasks and preserving evidence when needed
* Interacting with solicitors, other agencies, colleagues, and managing phone calls
* Making sure the custody suite is safe and secure for staff and detainees
* Working within relevant legislation and police systems
* Dealing with diverse, sometimes vulnerable people in stressful situations
You’ll work across different shifts (day, late, night) under a rotating roster.
Training & Support
When you start:
* You’ll attend a 5½ week training course covering all aspects of custody work
* Training includes: legal aspects, custody procedures, police systems, personal safety, emergency life support skills
* You’ll be assessed throughout training
* You’ll be supported by experienced officers and staff
* This role can be a stepping stone — many people gain skills here that help with future roles (e.g. police officer, investigator)
Benefits, Pay & Extras
* Base salary between £29,109 and £31,296
* After training, you’ll also receive the 20% shift allowance + weekend enhancements, boosting your earnings
* Pension scheme
* Childcare vouchers, Cycle to Work scheme
* Access to Hampshire Police Leisure & Sport, and gym facilities at several buildings
* The chance to be part of a large, respected organisation with many progression paths
What You Need To Apply
* Must pass vetting / background checks and a fitness test
* Education: QCF Level 3 (A‑levels or equivalent), or equivalent work experience demonstrating comparable ability
* A full driving licence is required (and evidence will be checked)
* Because you'll sometimes be posted to other sites (e.g. Portsmouth, Basingstoke), you’ll need access to reliable transport
* You’ll need to send photos of any tattoos after applying
What Kind of Person You’ll Be
We’re looking for people who can show:
* Compassion & empathy
* Resilience — ability to cope with stress
* Respect, integrity, fairness
* Teamwork and cooperation
* Good decision making & alertness
* Excellent communication skills
How to apply
To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.