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- Tasks: Support the welfare and security of detainees while working closely with police officers.
- Company: Join South Yorkshire Police, a team committed to fairness, integrity, and trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience dealing with the public are essential.
- Other info: Access to development courses and a supportive team culture.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Sheffield & Doncaster
Salary: £28,914 - £31,749 (plus 20% shift allowance and weekend working)
Hours: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
In this role you assist in the detention and welfare of convicted or other prisoners and their property under the direction of the police officer in charge.
Key Responsibilities- Be responsible for the security, safety, property, and welfare needs of the detained persons.
- Ensure that detained persons are treated in accordance with the codes of practice issued under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
- Undertake periodic safety checks of detained persons as directed by the Custody Officer.
- When instructed by the Custody Sergeant, undertake the necessary process to book detainee into Custody.
- Undertake dynamic risk assessments and record all relevant information in the appropriate custody record.
- Use the IT appropriately to input information.
- Take VIPER ID Captures, fingerprints, photographs and DNA from detained persons as directed by the Custody Officer.
- Conduct drug testing of detained persons as directed by the Custody Officer and complete the associated administrative procedures.
- Restrain detained persons to prevent injury to themselves, Police Officers or any other person and to prevent escape or unlawful damage to property.
- Administer first aid immediately when required and inform the Custody Officer if any detained person suffers any injury or illness.
- Arrange for the issuing of medication to detained persons prescribed by the medical practitioner under the direction of the Custody Officer.
- Arrange for the fumigation or laundering of dirty bedding to maintain high standards of hygiene.
- Ensure compliance with Health and Safety guidance.
- Good communication skills to effectively communicate with detainees, officers, solicitors and other partners.
- Experience of working with official records.
- Experience of dealing with the public and understanding social, cultural, and racial differences.
- General good health and fitness.
- Confidence to perform own role without unnecessary support and remain calm in difficult situations.
- A highly competitive salary and access to a generous pension scheme.
- Generous annual leave allowance.
- A wide range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
- Flexible working arrangements including flexi-time and hybrid working.
- A transparent and collaborative team culture underpinned by our core values of Fairness, Integrity & Trust.
- Comprehensive range of development and leadership courses.
- Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential support and advice.
- Flexible lifestyle benefits such as Blue Light Card, Company Shop, Cycle to work scheme.
- Membership to the Sports and Social Club.
- Access to a wide range of staff support groups and networks.
Applicants must meet the minimum requirement checkable history criteria, which includes a minimum checkable history of 3 years and successfully undergoing recruitment vetting procedure.
Appearance & StandardsSouth Yorkshire Police is committed to maintaining professional standards in dress and appearance. Tattoos are permitted provided they are not considered unacceptable or inappropriate.
South Yorkshire Police's Key ValuesFairness, Integrity & Trust.
Smarter Ways Of WorkingThis role has been evaluated as a fixed role, applicable when the work is mostly required to be undertaken at a fixed single place of work.
Contact DetailsFor further information about the role, please contact Chief Inspector Katie Rowland-Wilson via email: Katie.Rowland-Wilson@southyorkshire.police.uk
Closing Date8th February 2026
Recruitment Timeline- Shortlisting: 9th - 13th February 2026
- Interviews: 23rd February - 6th March 2026
- Start date: 16th June 2026
Detention Officer in Sheffield employer: South Yorkshire Police
Contact Detail:
South Yorkshire Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Detention Officer in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Detention Officer. This way, when you get that interview, you can show off your knowledge and how you fit into the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former Detention Officers on LinkedIn or local community groups. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to handling difficult situations and working under pressure. Role-play with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Detention Officer in Sheffield
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 Your Communication Skills: Since good communication is key in this role, be sure to provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to interact effectively with diverse groups. We want to see how you handle challenging situations!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you're a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Yorkshire Police
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Detention Officer. Familiarise yourself with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, as well as the specific duties like conducting safety checks and handling detainee welfare. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since good communication is crucial in this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past situations. Think about times when you dealt with the public or worked in a team, and be ready to discuss these experiences during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Calmness Under Pressure
The role can be challenging, so be prepared to discuss how you handle stressful situations. Share specific examples where you remained calm and made sound decisions under pressure. This will show your potential employer that you can manage difficult circumstances effectively.
✨Align with Their Values
South Yorkshire Police values Fairness, Integrity, and Trust. Reflect on how your personal values align with theirs and be ready to share examples that demonstrate these qualities in your work. This alignment can set you apart from other candidates.
