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- Tasks: Support custody colleagues and maintain care for detainees in a Police Investigation Centre.
- Company: Join Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, committed to inclusivity and community representation.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £30,333 plus shift allowance, with full-time hours and training provided.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while developing valuable skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: QCF Level 3 A-levels or equivalent experience, plus a full manual driving licence.
- Other info: Attend an awareness session to learn more and ask questions about the role.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for Detention Officers within custody and are holding awareness sessions to inform potential applicants about the role, duties and the recruitment process. Sessions will be run by recruitment and central custody advisors with extensive experience of the role. If you are resilient, have good communication and people skills, can be challenged and work well in a team, and would like a rewarding role, book your space to learn more.
Locations: Southampton, Portsmouth, Isle of Wight & Basingstoke. Roles are permanent and full-time at 37 hours per week. Detention Officers are paid a starting salary of £30,333 per annum, plus a shift allowance and weekend enhancement (approx. £800/month before tax, depending on shifts). A shift pattern including evenings and weekends will apply. Further information will be included in the awareness session.
Booking and application instructions: Please click the link for your preferred date to book a space via Eventbrite (one time slot only).
- Thursday 19 February 2026, 18:30–19:30
- Saturday 21 February 2026, 10:00–11:00
You will receive a Microsoft Teams link prior to your booked event. You will attend remotely. If no spaces are available on your preferred date, email police.recruitment@hampshire.police.uk. Do not submit an application via this advertisement. You will be able to apply after the awareness session has been completed and you have received an application link.
Role and responsibilities
As a Detention Officer you will be based in a Police Investigation Centre, supporting custody colleagues and maintaining a high level of care and professionalism for those detained. Detention Officers are uniformed support staff with certain policing powers to execute duties and provide a high level of service. You must be alert, think on your feet and make informed decisions. You will be involved in the booking-in process, and duties may include taking fingerprints, photographs and DNA, recording possessions, and ensuring safety and security. You will regularly monitor detainee condition and behaviour, assist with investigative procedures and preservation of evidence, while ensuring the safety of personnel. You will assist in detainee rights and entitlements and support the custody sergeant in releases when required.
Training and qualifications
Successful candidates will undertake a minimum six–seven week training course (Monday–Friday), assessed throughout. Training covers all aspects of the role and its place in the Criminal Justice System, police IT and systems, personal safety training and emergency first aid. Educated to QCF Level 3 A-levels (or equivalent) or equivalent work experience. Applicants must have a full manual driving licence and may be posted to other locations (Portsmouth, Southampton, Basingstoke or Isle of Wight). Please note that you must provide evidence of education and driving licence at interview stage. Everything will be covered in the awareness session and you will have the opportunity to ask questions.
Please note that the email address provided when submitting an application will be used for contact throughout the vacancy lifecycle. You will not be able to amend contact details; ensure you use a reliable address as the process may take several months.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary is an inclusive employer and aims to have a workforce representative of the communities we police and serve. We promote equality and encourage applications on a full-time, part-time or flexible basis. We recognise ongoing efforts to address under-representation through Positive Action and related initiatives. Our Positive Action team can support through the application and assessment process at positive.action@hampshire.pnn.police.uk. The Disability Confident campaign aims to remove barriers and ensure opportunities to fulfil potential. We accommodate reasonable adjustments where possible and encourage disclosure at the earliest opportunity.
Detention Officer February 2026 Awareness Sessions - HC623237 in Portsmouth employer: Hampshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Hampshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Detention Officer February 2026 Awareness Sessions - HC623237 in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to attend the awareness sessions! They’re a golden opportunity to get the inside scoop on what being a Detention Officer is all about. Plus, you can ask questions directly to the experts and get a feel for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with other attendees during the sessions. You never know who might have insights or connections that could help you land the job. Building relationships can be just as important as your qualifications!
✨Tip Number 3
After the session, keep an eye out for the application link. We’ll send it your way, so make sure you’re ready to apply as soon as it drops. Being prompt can set you apart from other candidates!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to showcase your resilience and communication skills in the interview. These are key traits for a Detention Officer, so think of examples from your past experiences that highlight these abilities. We believe in you!
We think you need these skills to ace Detention Officer February 2026 Awareness Sessions - HC623237 in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Role: Before you dive into your application, make sure you understand what being a Detention Officer is all about. Check out the responsibilities and think about how your skills match up. This will help you tailor your application to show us you're the right fit!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and get straight to the point. We want to see your skills and experiences shine through without any fluff. Remember, less is often more!
Show Your Resilience: As a Detention Officer, resilience is key. Make sure to highlight any experiences where you've faced challenges and how you overcame them. This will show us that you can handle the demands of the role with confidence.
Apply Through Our Website: Once you've attended the awareness session and got all the info you need, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire County Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Detention Officer. Familiarise yourself with the booking-in process, the importance of maintaining safety and security, and how to support detainees. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Detention Officer, you'll be working closely with detainees and colleagues. During the interview, highlight your communication skills and any relevant experiences where you've successfully interacted with people in challenging situations. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think about potential situations you might face as a Detention Officer and how you would handle them. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Bring the Right Documentation
Make sure to bring evidence of your education and driving licence to the interview. Being organised and prepared shows that you take the application process seriously. It also helps avoid any last-minute scrambles, allowing you to focus on showcasing your suitability for the role.
