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- Tasks: Manage and process detainees, ensuring their safety and welfare in custody.
- Company: Join a dedicated police force committed to community safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, shift allowances, and comprehensive training provided.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; strong communication skills and a driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 27204 - 29859 ÂŁ per year.
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.
Salary: £27,204–£29,859. Shift allowance and weekend working enhancement also provided. Shift percentage: 20%. Hours per week: 37.
We are recruiting for roles based at Bridgwater, Keynsham and Patchway Police Centres.
Responsibilities:
- Book and process detainees by recording personal details, photographing, fingerprinting, taking DNA samples and ensuring documentation is completed.
- Supervise and monitor individuals in custody, ensuring their safety and welfare in person and via CCTV; maintain awareness of medical and mental health conditions that may affect them and support they may need during their stay.
- Provide 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.
- Handle 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.
- Maintain all custody facilities: complete regular checks, log faults, and clean custody areas where appropriate.
What we are looking for:
No previous experience is necessary as full training will be provided; however, experience working within a similar environment and having responsibility for the welfare and security of individuals would be advantageous, e.g., Security Officer, Prison Officer.
As custody centres can encounter confrontational, aggressive and sometimes violent behaviour, you must 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 required:
- 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, including the ability to drive around the force area when required.
Additional Information:
Custody centres operate 24/7, 365 days a year. The roles involve working a six on, four off shift pattern, which includes early, late, night shifts, weekends and bank holidays. During the interview process you will be asked for a preference as to which of the three custody centres you would like to be based. Where possible we will try to accommodate this preference; however, this cannot 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 will be provided. To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a 3 year “checkable history” in the UK – ideally that means you have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years.
Detention Officer in Bristol employer: Avon and Somerset Police
Contact Detail:
Avon and Somerset Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Detention Officer in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Detention Officer, like processing detainees and ensuring their welfare. This way, you can confidently discuss how your skills match what they're looking for during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll need to handle confrontational situations, think about examples from your past where you've successfully de-escalated conflicts. We want you to shine in those interviews!
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former Detention Officers if you can. They can provide insider tips on what to expect and how to stand out. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Detention Officer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Detention Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key in this role, give examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated in challenging situations. This will help us see your potential to de-escalate confrontations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you don't have direct experience as a Detention Officer, mention any roles where you've been responsible for the welfare and security of individuals. This could be from previous jobs or volunteer work.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Avon and Somerset Police
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Detention Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like processing detainees, ensuring their welfare, and maintaining safety. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Detention Officer, strong communication is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've effectively communicated or de-escalated a tense situation. This could be from any job or even personal experiences. Highlighting these skills will demonstrate your suitability for handling confrontational situations.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during your interview. Think about how you would handle various situations, such as dealing with an agitated individual or managing administrative tasks under pressure. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training process, the shift patterns, or how the team supports each other in challenging situations. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.