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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 allowance, and full training provided.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; strong communication skills and a caring attitude are essential.
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).
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 Somerset 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 Somerset
✨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 will help you stand out during interviews when you can speak confidently about what the job entails.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be dealing with individuals in potentially tense situations, being able to de-escalate conflicts is key. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to sharpen those skills before your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your commitment to safety and security! During interviews, share any relevant experiences where you've had to ensure the well-being of others. Even if it’s not directly related, demonstrating your dedication to these values can make a big difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, and applying directly helps us keep track of candidates. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at the police custody facilities!
We think you need these skills to ace Detention Officer in Somerset
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. We want to see how you can contribute to the safety and welfare of detainees, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant experiences!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key in this role, use your application to demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Whether it’s through examples of past experiences or your writing style, let us know you can handle tough situations with ease.
Be Honest About Your Background: Remember, we need a 3-year checkable history in the UK for this role. Be upfront about your background and residency. It’s better to be clear from the start than to have any surprises later on!
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’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avon and Somerset Police
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Detention Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like processing detainees, supervising their welfare, and handling administrative duties. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since strong communication is essential for this position, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles. Think about situations where you had to de-escalate conflicts or support individuals in distress. This will demonstrate your ability to handle challenging situations.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Even if you don't have direct experience as a Detention Officer, think about any roles where you were responsible for the welfare and security of others. Whether it’s as a Security Officer or in another capacity, relate those experiences back to the skills needed for this job.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions during your interview. Practice how you would respond to confrontational situations or manage the well-being of detainees. This will not only help you think on your feet but also show that you can apply your knowledge in real-life situations.