Custody & Detainee Care Officer – London

Salary: Up to £28,486.92 per annum, £2,000 Market Supplement, plus £4,613.61 London Allowance and 20% Shift Allowance.

Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time

Location: London

Type of Working Arrangement: On Site

British Transport Police (BTP) is the national police force for the rail network throughout Great Britain. We are the ‘Guardians of the Railway,’ putting passenger safety at the heart of what we do. Our values are simply: We Care, We Do the Right Thing, We Strive to Be Better Every Day, We Are One BTP, and We Are Proud to Protect.

The Opportunity

Are you looking for your next exciting career move? British Transport Police have an excellent opportunity for a Designated Detention Officer to join our Custody Team. Join our dynamic custody team where no two days are the same. You'll play a vital role in ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of detainees from the moment they arrive. From conducting risk assessments and managing custody records to supervising daily routines and supporting medical needs, you'll be at the heart of a fast-paced, people-focused environment.

You’ll carry out searches, take biometric samples, and maintain clean, secure cells. Whether you’re arranging meals, assisting with phone calls and visits, or presenting evidence in court, your professionalism and calm approach will make a real difference. With every interaction, you’ll promote respect, equality, and human rights—ensuring everyone is treated with dignity.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing the arrival of detainees, conduct risk assessments and open custody records, recording personal details and the reason/circumstance of the arrest.
• Conducting prisoner searches, take prisoners fingerprints, photographs and DNA samples using reasonable force when necessary and appropriate.
• Conducting cell visits to ensure the safety of detainees, ensuring cells are clean and in good working order.
• Supervising detainee’s ablutions, exercise, telephone calls, visits and doctor examinations.
• Arranging and delivering appropriate meals and drinks to the detainees taking into account dietary requirements.
• Providing first aid treatment when required.
• Presenting evidence in court and other hearings as required.
• Answering telephone calls and dealing with enquiries.
• Promoting equality, diversity and human rights in working practices by developing positive working relationships, ensuring colleagues and detainees are treated with courtesy, respect and dignity.

What You’ll Bring To The Team

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to accurately input information onto a computer database and the ability to carry out basic office administration using word processing and email software packages.
• The ability to remain calm and professional in confrontational situations.
• The ability to use an appropriate level of force to control detainees in accordance with training and guidelines.
• A demonstrable understanding of and commitment to delivering high levels of customer service.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Previous experience of working in a custody environment is desirable and/or demonstrable experience in similar secure settings.

What We Offer

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days after 5 years.
• Family-friendly policies, including up to 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave.
• Bespoke benefits platform and Blue Light Card access.
• Salary sacrifice options for cycles, home technology, gym membership, and electric vehicles.
• Interest-free annual rail season ticket loan after 6 months.
• Access to the Transport Benevolent Fund for health, welfare, and financial support.
• Development opportunities, including fully funded apprenticeships.
• Excellent Pension scheme: We offer the BTP GPP Police Staff Pension Scheme, administered by Royal London.

Vetting: Successful applicants will be required to pass Recruitment Vetting (3 years minimum UK residency required), including a full background and financial disclosure.

Medical: We’ll ask for relevant health and medical history details to support employee wellbeing.

References: We’ll ask for references to cover the past 5 years.

Inclusion & Diversity

At BTP, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. We believe diversity drives innovation and better decision-making. Our roles are open to everyone, and we encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, women, LGBTQI+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those who are neurodiverse.

Join Us

Grow your career with us. We can’t wait to hear from you!