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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and safeguard individuals in police custody while ensuring their welfare.
- Company: Join Gwent Police, a community-focused organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Generous leave, wellbeing support, gym access, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in your community and develop valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Full driving licence and commitment to fitness required.
- Other info: Welsh speakers encouraged; diverse backgrounds welcomed.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 ÂŁ per year.
Join Gwent Police as a Custody Detention Officer. Are you ready to make a real difference in your community? Gwent Police is seeking enthusiastic, caring, and reliable individuals to join our dynamic custody units, where you’ll play a vital role in safeguarding and supporting those in police custody. If you thrive in a team environment, possess excellent communication skills, and are passionate about helping others, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
What You’ll Do
- Assessing and meeting the welfare needs of individuals in custody
- Conducting searches and collecting forensic samples (fingerprints, photographs, drug testing)
- Facilitating access to legal advice, healthcare professionals, and partner agencies
- Supporting investigating officers and contributing to the smooth running of our custody suites
What We’re Looking For
We welcome applicants who hold a full driving licence or can travel across the force area by alternative means. If you’re successful at interview, you’ll be invited to complete a fitness test (Level 5.4 Bleep Test), drugs test, biometric test (DNA swab and fingerprints), and a medical assessment, as well as undergoing vetting and reference checks.
The Fitness Test
The Level 5.4 Bleep Test is designed to assess your physical readiness for the role. You’ll run back and forth along a 15-metre track, keeping pace with audio bleeps that gradually increase in speed. The minimum standard is to complete four shuttles at level 5, showing your commitment to maintaining a good level of fitness.
Welsh Language Speakers Welcome!
We’re actively recruiting Welsh speakers to help us meet public demand and uphold our commitment to the Welsh Language Standards. If you're not yet fluent but eager to learn, we also welcome applicants who are committed to developing their Welsh language skills—support and resources are available to help you grow.
Key Dates
- Recruitment Guidance Session: 21st January (via teams) 6pm and 22nd January (via Teams) 1pm-2pm
- Custody Information Session: 26th January, 6pm at Newport Police Station
- Interviews: 23rd/24th/25th February 2026
- Fitness & Drugs Test: 17th March 2026
- Medical Assessments: 16th, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th March
Awareness Sessions Overview
Recruitment Guidance Session
Join us for an informative session delivered via TEAMS on 21st January 6pm. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the recruitment process. It will cover how to submit your application, offer practical guidance, and provide an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about joining our team. In addition, there will be a one‑hour drop‑in session on 22nd January at 1pm for any further questions, or for those unable to attend on the 21st.
Custody Information Session
This in‑person session will take place at Newport Central Police Station. You’ll have the chance to hear directly from a serving Custody Detention Officer about the realities and responsibilities of the role. The session also includes a guided tour of the Custody Suite, allowing you to experience the working environment first‑hand. To reserve your place at the Custody Information Session, please email: centralrecruitment@gwent.police.uk.
How To Apply
If you’re ready to take on this rewarding challenge, click the link below to view the full role profile. Complete your application by evidencing the required attainments. Guidance is provided to help you showcase your strengths. Internal candidates, please ensure your Line Manager Approval form is submitted by the closing date. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact, develop your skills, and be part of a supportive team. If you’re passionate about helping others and want to contribute to safer communities, apply today and start your journey with Gwent Police.
What Are Our Benefits
Here at Gwent Police, we value our employees, and we provide ample support and training to ensure you excel in your role, alongside receiving benefits such as:
- Generous annual leave entitlement that rises to either 29 or 30 days depending on grade plus 8 bank holidays
- Employee Assistance programme and a range of wellbeing support programmes
- Free access to on‑site gyms
- Discounts from various retailers via the Blue Light Scheme and Vectis Card
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Hybrid/Agile working (role dependant)
- Flexible working opportunities
- Local government pension scheme
- Range of support networks
- Generous maternity/paternity and adoption leave entitlements
- Generous sick pay provisions
- Option to become a member of UNISON, the public service union
- Option to join a contributory health plan, with a waived waiting time, which gives access to diagnostics and treatments
Diversity and Welsh language
To enable us to deliver outstanding policing for everyone, we need people from all backgrounds, with a range of professional and life experiences, so that we are truly representative of our communities. Gwent Police provide a positive action support programme for underrepresented groups. To find out more please email Brian, Salma & Clare via positive.action@gwent.police.uk or visit our positive action page.
We are proud to be a Welsh speaking policing service and welcome applications from candidates with Welsh Language skills.
Disability Confident Employer
We are recognised as a disability confident employer, we aim to recruit and retain disabled people, and people with health conditions, for their skills and talent. You can indicate on your application form whether you require any support or adjustments to enable you to do the job, or to assist you with your application.
Custody Detention Officer in Hengoed employer: Gwent Police
Contact Detail:
Gwent Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Custody Detention Officer in Hengoed
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Custody Detention Officer and think about how your skills align. This will help you stand out during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Custody Detention Officers on LinkedIn or at the information sessions. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the fitness test! Start training now to ensure you can ace the Level 5.4 Bleep Test. It shows your commitment to the role and helps you feel more confident when the time comes.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to showcase your strengths and make a great impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Custody Detention Officer in Hengoed
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in the community and supporting those in custody.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences that relate to the Custody Detention Officer role. We appreciate brevity but also want to see your personality!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase any previous experience that aligns with the responsibilities of the role. Whether it's working in a team or dealing with challenging situations, we want to know how you've handled similar tasks before.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gwent Police
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Custody Detention Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key duties like assessing detainee welfare and conducting searches. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role requires excellent communication, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past situations. Think about times when you’ve had to support others or work as part of a team. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with both colleagues and detainees.
✨Prepare for the Fitness Test
Since the fitness test is a crucial part of the selection process, start training now! Familiarise yourself with the Level 5.4 Bleep Test and aim to exceed the minimum standard. Being physically prepared will not only boost your confidence but also show your commitment to the role.
✨Embrace the Welsh Language Opportunity
If you're a Welsh speaker or keen to learn, highlight this during your interview. Gwent Police values language skills, and showing your willingness to develop your Welsh can set you apart from other candidates. Plus, it demonstrates your commitment to serving the community.
