Detention Officer

Cambridgeshire Constabulary currently has current vacancies and additional projected vacancies for Detention Officers.

Basic annual salary range is between - £26,106 - £28,653.

The role also includes additional allowances which include shift and weekend working.

Working as part of a team in support of custody sergeants, detention officers carry out a multi-functional role within very busy custody units.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary currently has two custody suites, at Thorpe Wood and Parkside. In early 2026 a new site will replace Parkside and be based at Milton to the north of Cambridge. The custody units are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Successful Candidates may be posted to either custody suite but the most likely location will be the new Milton site.

Custody staff are supervised locally by custody sergeants and dedicated custody inspectors.
Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Maintain security in and around the cell area complex and attend to all welfare needs of detained persons in custody in accordance with Cambridgeshire Custody operating procedure (COP).
  
  
• Carry out the processing of detained persons, including booking in, conducting risk assessments and identifying control measures to maintain the health and welfare of the detainee, for checking by the Custody Sergeant.
  
  
• Process detained persons by the taking of fingerprints, photographs, DNA, shoeprints, VIPER procedures and Class A drug testing in accordance with PACE and Force Policy.
  
  
• Ensure, where possible, the identity of the detained person is checked and verified, carry out further checks on personal details and previous history using relevant sources (including foreign national checks where appropriate). Ensure the results of the checks are recorded and passed to the appropriate person.
  
  
• Carry out searching of detainees and cells, as directed and/or authorised by the custody sergeant.
  
  
• Provide relevant information to the Custody Sergeant to aid the completion of the pre-release risk assessments; and as directed by the Custody Sergeant, make appropriate referrals to partner agencies.
  
  
• Comply with Health & Safety legislation and take full responsibility to ensure cleanliness of cells, cell corridors, medical rooms and kitchens at all times. Prepare food and drink for detained persons recording details on the custody record.
  
  
• Maintain custody equipment and supplies to ensure sufficient stocks of materials are available at all times to ensure efficient and safe operation of the custody suite, including supporting the Custody Sergeant in maintaining the custody suite by identifying and reporting faults.
  
  
• Provide administrative support to assist with the efficient running of the custody area.
  
  
• Record, store and supply information in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational policy.
  
  
• Where required, convey detained persons from the point of arrest to custody, or to other premises (including VIPER suite) or parts of the building in accordance with evacuation procedures.
  
  
• When required to do so, facilitate and coordinate the hearing of Remand and Short Bail cases via video link, ensuring virtual court hearings take place efficiently and effectively.
  
  
• Any other duties as directed from time to time by managers within Cambridgeshire.
  
  Successful candidates will be able to display the following
  
  
• An ability to work under pressure.
  
  
• Resilience and flexibility.
  
  
• Patience and compassion.
  
  
• An ability to treat individuals fairly regardless of circumstance.
  
  
• Experience in the use of IT and a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office or similar computer packages
  
  
• Ability to operate, input and interrogate computer databases.
  
  
• Mental agility and good observational skills
  
  
• Excellent communication and listening skills, including the ability to communicate with individuals from a wide range of social and economic backgrounds
  
  
• Ability to work as part of a Team
  
  
• Physical ability to defend oneself and restrain detainees as appropriate
  
  
• Ability to remain calm in stressful or potential conflict situations
  
  
• Ability to travel to work at any custody suite in the constabulary/force.
  
  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 Cambridgeshire 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