Custody Detention Officer in London

Division / Department - Forcewide

Grade - Grade E

Status - Full Time

Contract Type - Permanent

Salary Grade Range - £29,151 - £32,224

Working Hours - 36.0 Hours per Week

Shift Allowance - Yes

Politically Restricted - No

Location - Forcewide

The starting salary for this role will usually be at the bottom of the salary range and will be pro‑rata if the working hours are less than full time.

Chief Constables' Message: We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe. We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you. We wish you all the very best with your application.

The Role & Key Responsibilities:

• From your first day with us you will be part of a policing family making a real difference.
• It is our mission to identify and protect vulnerable people, prevent and respond to harm and keep people safe.
• Surrey Police are seeking applicants for the position of Custody Detention Officer which is a civilian role within the custody suite.
• Custody detention officers perform an essential role in the smooth running of the custody suite, ensuring the safety and comfort of those persons who have been arrested, visitors and contractors who may be present.
• You will receive training in relevant aspects of the law, conflict management, food preparation, first aid as well as also being trained to take fingerprints and DNA samples.
• You need to be competent at using computers and will receive further IT training enabling you to enter data into our secure systems relevant to those arrested.
• These positions will appeal to applicants who are reliable, enthusiastic, and self‑disciplined with good people skills and a cool head.
• You will be based at one of our Custody Centre's (Guildford, Staines or Salfords) but may occasionally be required to work elsewhere for which travelling costs will be met.
• You will be dealing with people from all aspects of society. You will at times deal with people who are upset, angry and or violent.
• You will be required to use not only verbal communication skills to deal with those arrested but you will also be expected to physically restrain arrested persons if needed.
• You need to be prepared that you will not always be spoken to or treated with respect by arrested persons.
• Upon completion of training you will be responsible, as part of a well‑drilled team, for all aspects of detainee care including security, supervising exercise, facilitating legal visits and providing food.
• You will work with custody medical teams for both physical and mental health and oversee other entitlements as required under legislation.

Skills & Experience:

• First and foremost you will be a good communicator and team player.
• Working in a close knit team under the supervision of a police Sergeant and Inspector, you will have dealings with persons from all walks of life.
• Being firm but fair, compassionate and having a sense of humour are all qualities which are vital to this role as well as being a problem solver and self‑starter.
• In order to apply for this post you must have the following qualifications:
• GCSE C and above in Maths/Level 2 equivalent or higher level qualification/equivalent
• GCSE C and above in English/Level 2 equivalent or higher level qualification/equivalent
• A Full and valid driving licence and access to a vehicle so you can drive to any of the three custody suites in the county if needed.

Why Work With Us?

• Policing is an exciting 24/7 business and we all have commitments outside work. We’re invested in supporting people to balance their life with work and we encourage flexible working.
• We are open to conversations about job shares and part time working.
• We encourage agile working, giving you the opportunity to manage your own diary and work wherever you give the best service to the public. This may include flexi‑time and home working.
• We take pride in looking after our people and offer a variety of benefits:
• career progression
• contributory pension scheme (LGPS)
• generous annual leave allowance
• discounts for everyday spend
• on‑site gyms and a range of sports clubs
• generous and supportive parental leave
• financial and mental wellbeing guidance and support
• discounted contributory healthcare scheme
• The unsocial hours allowance for this role is £6,802.00 per annum.
• Due to the sensitivity involved within the role a high level of integrity will be needed, therefore successful applicants will be subject to security vetting.
• You will be permanently based at one of the three custody suites (Staines, Guildford or Salfords), however, at times you will be required to travel to any of the custody suites in order to cover staff shortages.
• It is therefore essential that you hold a current and valid driving licence and have access to a personal vehicle.
• If successful you will be required to work at different locations across the force and will need to be prepared to travel to these various locations for which travelling expenses will be paid.
• All successful applicants will need to undertake a written health assessment, and where appropriate, participate in a health interview and/or medical assessment as deemed necessary by the Occupational Health Department.
• This will apply to new recruits and all internal transfers to the role.
• Please note, that although over the course of 12 months your average working weekly hours equates to 36 per week, in reality you will be working 12hr shifts, which is 2 early shifts 0600‑1800hrs, followed by 2 night shifts 1800‑0600 and then 4 days off. Approximately once every 8 weeks, you will accrue 2 extra days off giving you 6 days off.

Diversity Statement:

We are only as good as our people. It's important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that as an organisation we'll grow from the variety of thinking, approach, and the skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a better policing service.

We strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit is open and accessible to all.

We have multiple staff support groups who help to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work.

We are proud members of Disability Confident, hold Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status, are a signatory of the Race at Work Charter and are aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement.

We are committed to being an anti‑racist police service. We promise to challenge injustice, ensure fairness and to uphold anti‑racist principles in both our organisation and our communities.

We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.

Surrey Police and Sussex Police Special Constables, Volunteers and Agency Staff (excluding self‑employed workers) covered under the Agency Worker Regulations (AWR) are eligible to apply for internal advertised posts.