Detention Officer

Police Custody Detention Officers

We are currently recruiting for candidates to join Hertfordshire Constabulary as a Custody Detention Officer.

The role:

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.

Key duties and responsibilities to include:

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.

The reception of police detainees involving 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.

Key skills, knowledge, and experience required:

Successful candidates will be able to display the following:

The candidate will need to consider themselves physically fit enough to pass a medical assessment if required. They also need to be able to complete annual Staff Protection Training.

An updated CV with past and present work history, detailing any gaps of employment

An ability to work under pressure.

Resilience and flexibility.

Patience and compassion.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

An ability to treat individuals fairly, regardless of circumstance.

An ability to work as part of a team.

An eye for detail. A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office or similar computer packages.

The ability to travel independently to other custody suites within Hertfordshire is essential, as you may be expected at times to travel to other custody stations to cover staff abstractions. The application process will include an interview as well as a medical questionnaire.

Interviews will take place in person; further details will be provided if you are shortlisted.

Fully paid training to carry out the role will be provided.

Successful candidates will complete a five-week training programme followed by a period of mentoring in the workplace.

In return the force can offer...

• Local Government Pension Scheme
  
  
• Access to the Blue Light Card scheme
  
  
• Free access to force gyms
  
  Hours: Detention Officers are expected to work within a shift pattern, including nights and weekends across a rotating shift pattern
  
  Location: Stevenage and Hatfield Police Stations
  
  Additional Information
  
  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 Word/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 at any point during the recruitment process up 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 available once the advert has closed.
  
  To enable us to deliver outstanding policing for everyone, we need people from all backgrounds with a range of professional and life experiences so that we are truly representative of our communities.
  
  Why work for Hertfordshire Constabulary?
  
  We have gained a reputation as a pioneering and innovative force, responsible for policing a large diverse, multi-cultural population.
  
  If you are looking for a fresh challenge which offers a genuine opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives, variety and the chance to broaden your experience, then we are the force for you.
  
  Benefits include:
  • Access to the local government pension scheme (police staff) or Police pension scheme (Police officers) including career average, employer contributions and death in service.
  • Paid leave days depending on force and length of service (police staff - 24 to 33 days, police officers 22 to 30 days).
  • Paid sick leave of six months full pay and six months half pay (depending on service).
  • Occupational maternity, adoption, and paternity pay (dependent on service).
  • Carers and discretionary leave.
  • Flexible working arrangements including compressed hours, flexible shifts, job share, annualised hours and agile working (depending on role requirements).
  • Gym facilities, weekly yoga classes, exercise classes, squash facilities, exercise space etc. are available (depending on location).
  • Each force has its own sports or sports and social club, offering discounts, trips, and events.
  • Cycle to Work scheme.
  • Access to Blue Light Card providing discounts to Emergency Services on the high street and online.
  • Access to Police Mutual providing financial support including savings plans, insurance, breakdown cover, loans and independent financial advice.
  • Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Various support groups including Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Support Group, Christian Police Association (CPA), Disability Awareness Network (DAWN), Lesbian, gay, bi-sexual & transgender (LGBT), Menopause Action Group, Police Chaplains.
  • Access to a Trade Union (UNISON)/Staff Association (Federation).
  • The Backup Buddy Police Support app is designed to help with mental health issues and gives practical advice and support as well as a range of podcasts.
  • Opportunities for development and further study including Further You Talent Management, Be You BCH Senior Leadership Programme, and supervisory leadership workshops.
  
  Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
  
  We are working hard to increase diversity and inclusion within the Constabulary, where communities are under-represented, including those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, people of all ages, abilities, faiths, religions and gender, LGBT communities and those from other disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds, who share our values and wish to make a difference to the communities we serve.
  
  All applications will be treated on merit, based on the evidence provided in your application and suitability for the role you have applied for