Detention Officer in Bridgwater

Detention Officers play a key role in the management and processing of individuals who have been arrested and are in police custody. This integral role ensures the smooth operation of our police custody facilities while upholding safety, security, and detainee rights.

The role involves working as part of a close team, with duties including:

• Booking and processing detainees by recording personal details, photographing, fingerprinting, taking DNA samples and ensuring documentation is completed.
• Supervising and monitoring individuals in custody, ensuring their safety and welfare in person and via CCTV, including having an awareness of any medical and mental health conditions that may affect them and support they may need during their stay.
• Providing for the well-being of detainees by distributing bedding, preparing, and serving meals and beverages as needed, and overseeing access to wash and exercise facilities.
• Administrative duties, such as creating and managing paper records, making and answering phone calls, and ensuring accurate detention logs are made for each detainee throughout their stay in custody.
• Being responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of all custody facilities, including completion of regular checks, logging of faults and cleaning of custody areas where appropriate.

No previous experience is necessary as full training will be provided; however, experience of working within a similar environment and having responsibility for the welfare and security of individuals would be advantageous. For example, Security Officer, Prison Officer. While our custody centres are a safe place to work, on occasion you will encounter confrontational, aggressive and sometimes violent behaviour. Due to this, you will need to be able to communicate effectively to de-escalate situations. Full Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST) will be provided as part of the four-week training course.

Essential Skills:

• Strong communication skills, including clear verbal communication, active listening and conflict de-escalation.
• Ability to deal with agitated or non-compliant individuals, preventing confrontations without using force.
• Basic IT skills to effectively manage administrative tasks, including data entry, email communication and standard office software (e.g. Microsoft Word & Excel).
• A full driving licence is essential to this role, including the ability to drive around the force area when required.

All candidates are required to attend a virtual familiarisation session to learn more about the role of a Detention Officer. This session will provide valuable insights into the responsibilities, requirements, and career opportunities associated with the position. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, meet our team, and better understand what it takes to succeed in this role.

Additional Information:

• Custody centres operate 24/7, 365 days a year.
• The roles involve working a six on, four off, shift pattern, including earlies, lates, nights, weekends and bank holidays.
• During the interview process, you will be asked for a preference as to which of the three custody centre(s) you would like to be based. Where possible, we will try to accommodate this preference; however, this can’t always be guaranteed due to the location of the vacancy.
• Successful applicants will also be expected to work at any of the other custody centres when requested.
• A uniform is required for this role, and it will be provided to you.
• To be eligible to apply for this role, you must have a 3-year ‘checkable history’ in the UK – ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years.

Does this sound like the role for you? Click below to apply.