At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safety and welfare of detainees while processing them in custody.
- Company: Join Cambridgeshire Constabulary, a vital part of community safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, shift allowances, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Exciting new custody facility opening soon, with great team support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, resilience, and ability to work under pressure.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 25000 € per year.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary currently has vacancies for Detention Officers to provide staff for the new Custody Facility at Milton, North of Cambridge. The post will be based at Parkside, Cambridge pending the opening of the new facility. In addition, there is now one post available at Thorpe Wood Police station in Peterborough. Basic annual salary range is between £27,204 - £29,859. 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 the first half of 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.
Detention Officer in Cambridge employer: Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Cambridgeshire Constabulary is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the welfare of both staff and detainees. With opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic environment, employees benefit from competitive salaries, additional allowances for shift work, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to community safety in a new state-of-the-art custody facility in Milton. Join a dedicated team where resilience, compassion, and teamwork are valued, making a real difference in the lives of individuals and the community.
Contact Detail:
Cambridgeshire Constabulary Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Detention Officer in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Detention Officer and the specific procedures at Cambridgeshire Constabulary. This will help you stand out during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former Detention Officers on LinkedIn or local community groups. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about upcoming vacancies or the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Prepare for common questions related to handling stressful situations, teamwork, and communication. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident and articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, keep an eye on our site for any updates or new roles that pop up. We’re here to help you land that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Detention Officer in Cambridge
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 Relevant Experience:If you've got experience in similar roles or have worked in high-pressure environments, make it shine! We want to see how your background prepares you for the challenges of working in a custody suite.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your points are easy to understand. This will help us see your communication skills right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridgeshire Constabulary
✨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 detained persons and maintaining security in custody areas. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
This role requires patience, compassion, and excellent communication skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated these qualities, especially in high-pressure situations. Being able to articulate how you handle stress and conflict will set you apart.
✨Research Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Take some time to learn about Cambridgeshire Constabulary's values, mission, and recent news. Understanding their approach to community safety and how they operate will not only impress your interviewers but also help you align your answers with their ethos.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or what a typical day looks like for a Detention Officer. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
