Detention Officer in Newcastle upon Tyne

Salary: Band 5, £28,689 to £29,859 (equating to a potential £36,966 - £38,546 with shift and weekend allowances based on full time hours)

Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week

Shift Pattern: This is a 24/7 operational role and includes nights, weekends, bank holidays and public holidays.

• 2 day shifts (07:00 - 19:00)
• 2 night shifts (19:00 - 07:00)
• 4 rest days

Location: Positions are available across the force area. Please note, we are unable to guarantee you a particular location.

• Forth Banks Station (Newcastle City Centre)
• Middle Engine Lane Station (Wallsend)
• Southwick Station (Sunderland)

Start Date: Monday 10 May 2027. Successful candidates must be available to attend the full three-week training programme delivered at Ponteland.

Can you stay calm under pressure, communicate effectively and treat people with dignity, even in the most challenging circumstances? Join #TeamNP as a Detention Officer and play a vital role in supporting the safe and lawful detention of people within police custody. This is not a typical office role, nor is it the same as being a police officer. As a Detention Officer, you will work within a custody suite, supporting detainees, custody officers and police colleagues to ensure individuals are cared for safely while legal processes are carried out.

Every shift brings new challenges. You could be reassuring a vulnerable person experiencing a mental health crisis, managing the risks presented by an intoxicated detainee, gathering evidential material, or responding professionally to someone who is angry, distressed or aggressive. The role demands empathy, professionalism and emotional resilience. In return, it offers the opportunity to make a genuine difference to people's lives during some of their most difficult moments.

Working for #TeamNP Our purpose at Team NP is simple: to keep people safe and fight crime. While police officers are often the public face of policing, our police staff play an equally important role in delivering that mission. As one of the largest police forces in England, we offer a broad range of career opportunities, development programmes and wellbeing support. We are proud to be recognised as an inclusive employer where people feel respected, valued and empowered to succeed. Whether you're joining us with experience or looking for a completely new challenge, we'll provide the training and support you need to thrive.

The Role: Being a Detention Officer requires patience, empathy, and excellent resilience. It’s a role where your professionalism and compassion can make a real difference - whether you're offering care to someone who’s been aggressive or abusive, or lending a listening ear to someone vulnerable and in crisis. If you take pride in treating everyone with dignity, even in the most challenging circumstances, you’ll find this role deeply rewarding.

As a Detention Officer, you are a vital part of the custody suite team. You help maintain a safe, respectful, and professional environment while serving as a crucial point of support for detainees - many of whom may be experiencing one of the most difficult moments in their lives. Your presence and conduct can be a stabilising force, offering reassurance and structure in a high-pressure setting. If you can carry out this important work and still leave your shift with a clear head, you’ll find this to be a fulfilling opportunity that’s never monotonous. It’s a chance to contribute meaningfully to your community, every single day.

We currently have full-time opportunities available. Successful candidates will work a rotating pattern of day and night shifts, supporting the 24/7 operation of our custody suites. Our 4-on, 4-off shift pattern is particularly popular with colleagues, offering greater flexibility to balance work and personal commitments.

The Reality: Before you apply, it's important you understand what this role involves. Detention Officers work exclusively within a police custody environment. Much of your day will be spent interacting with detainees, monitoring their welfare, conducting observations, maintaining records and supporting custody processes. Many of the people you encounter will be vulnerable or in crisis. Some may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Others may have physical or mental health needs. At times, you may be exposed to verbal abuse, challenging behaviour, self-harm risks, traumatic incidents or emotionally difficult situations. You will be expected to remain calm and professional, even when others are not. The role can also be physically demanding. You may need to spend long periods on your feet, escort detainees around the custody suite and assist colleagues in managing difficult situations following appropriate training. While support from Custody Sergeants, police officers and colleagues is always available, this role is best suited to people who are resilient, emotionally mature and comfortable working in an environment where situations can change quickly. If you are looking for a role where teamwork is essential and where you can make a real difference to the safety and welfare of others, this could be the opportunity for you.

Key Responsibilities of a Detention Officer:

• Custody Suite Support: You’ll work within Northumbria Police custody suites, supporting custody officers, investigators, and various stakeholders. Responding to dynamic situations that require quick thinking and professional conduct.
• Frontline Interaction: As the first point of contact for officers and detainees, you’ll manage risks and assess vulnerabilities around the clock under Police Sergeant supervision.
• Documentation & Compliance: You’ll assist in preparing, completing and maintaining custody-related documentation and digital records, ensuring legal and operational accuracy.
• Evidence Collection: You’ll be trained to collect evidential materials such as photographs, fingerprints, and DNA.
• Visible Presence: You’ll represent Northumbria Police Detention professionally, adhering to the Code of Ethics and organisational values, with conduct monitored via 24/7 CCTV.
• Respect & Integrity: Engage with a diverse range of individuals: including some of the most challenging and vulnerable in society. Treating all individuals with dignity - regardless of background or circumstances—is essential.
• Teamwork & Resilience: High professional and ethical standards, strong communication, diligence, and emotional resilience are vital. You’ll work closely with Custody Sergeants who oversee the suite and who will be your immediate supervisors.