Custody Detention Officer

Are you someone who likes a challenging role where you play a key part in protecting the wellbeing of others?

Working as a Custody Detention Officer you will be responsible for the welfare of detainees as soon as they arrive in the custody suite. This is a vital role to ensure the swift and safe processing of detainees.

Recruiting now

Working as a Custody Detention Officer you can expect to:

Book people into custody, take fingerprints and photos and input personal information.
Carry out welfare and cleaning tasks to ensure the wellbeing and safety of detainees.
Take phone calls from people who need access to the custody suite e.g. solicitors, healthcare workers.
Work as part of a larger team but also frequently work on your own.
Work a 20-week shift pattern.

Case study

Rebecca Spillard, Custody Detention Officer

I am presented with different challenges every shift and I find that I am learning new things every day. Within the role you have to learn to adapt communication skills to suit the situation you are faced with, whether that’s talking to detained persons, officers, sergeants, inspectors and solicitors. It is very rare I have two days the same.

I’m part of a close knit team and I have superb benefits at Staffordshire Police. The force really supports my health and wellbeing too which I haven’t necessarily found in other roles I have been in.

Case study

Sabah Iqbal, Custody Detention Officer

I wanted a job within the policing field and becoming a CDO has widened my knowledge of the force and how we all work together to keep the community safe.

Being a CDO means that we look after people in custody, from their welfare and safety to taking fingerprints and DNA. Working as a CDO has boosted my confidence and has taught me valuable skills. Skills that will be transferable in my career and personal life. This job is not only challenging and rewarding, but can open up a world of opportunities.

Case study

Alex Clayton-Tang, Custody Detention Officer

On a daily basis we complete a range of tasks. Some of our daily duties include searching detained people and property, finger printing, taking DNA and photographs of the detained people as well as looking after their welfare such as facilitating any medical needs.

We also help the custody sergeants to process them to interviews and consultations with their solicitors as well as sending them off to court. We see people from all walks of life who have committed a range of crimes and I think working as a CDO really gives insight into the role of a police officer.

How to become a Custody Detention Officer

If you are skilled at dealing with a range of people to provide a courteous and professional service you are the person we are looking for.

Qualifications

3 GCSEs, (or equivalent qualification) grade C or above and must include English and Maths.

Skills and experience

We need people who are:

Resilient and able to deal with confrontational or emotional people.
Confident technology users with the ability to accurately input and record information.
Excellent communicators with good interpersonal skills.
Comfortable to carry out welfare and cleaning tasks.
Confident working alone to fulfil the tasks required.

Applications are now open

Recruitment for Custody Detention Officers is open until 23 December 2021. Visit our current vacancies to apply.