At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safety and welfare of individuals in custody while supporting operational policing.
- Company: Join Devon and Cornwall Police, a dedicated team making a real impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, subsidised gym membership, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Comprehensive training and development opportunities available.
- Why this job: Make a tangible difference in policing with varied daily challenges.
- Qualifications: Physically fit, strong communication skills, and ability to stay calm under pressure.
The predicted salary is between 29859 - 29859 £ per year.
Location: Devon and Cornwall Police based at the following location(s): Exeter Police Station, Camborne, Plymouth, Charles Cross, Torquay
Salary : Starts at A GBP 27,204 rising by yearly increments to a maximum of A GBP 29,859 per annum
- Vacancy
- Type: Permanent, Fill Time (37 hours per week)
- Closing
- Date: 27 th of August 2026
About The Role
Are you looking for a new challenging yet rewarding role where you can make a real difference?
Do you thrive in a fast: paced environment and have the resilience to handle unpredictable situations?
If so, a role as a Detention Officer could be your next career move
As a Detention Officer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and welfare of individuals in custody while supporting operational policing.
This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of our criminal justice system, managing detainees with professionalism, integrity, and compassion.
- What Youll Be Doing
- Ensuring all necessary records are accurately maintained.
- Carrying out welfare checks and responding to detainee needs in accordance with regulations.
- Managing conflict and de: escalating situations wherever possible.
Physically restraining individuals where necessary to ensure your safety, the safety of your colleagues and the public.
- Assisting custody officers in risk assessments and maintaining a secure environment.
- Conducting searches and handling property in line with procedures.
- Working closely with officers and partner agencies to uphold detainee rights and well: being.
- What Were Looking For
- Physically fit individuals who have the fitness to undertake and pass the mandatory Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST) as part of initial training and on an annual basis thereafter.
This is a pass/fail element of the training course which may mean employment could be terminated through the appropriate Force process.
Please ensure you are physically fit for this role.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
- Attention to detail and the ability to follow procedures precisely.
- A team player who can also take initiative when required.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a dedicated team making a tangible impact on policing.
- A role that offers variety: no two days are the same
- Training and development opportunities to support your progression.
- What You Get If You Join Us
If you work for us, you will get access to
- A competitive salary with yearly increments.
- 25 days a year leave entitlement, with an increase to 30 days after 5 years continuous employment, plus bank holidays (pro: rata for part time workers).
- Access to heavily subsidised gym membership that will provide you access to police site gyms throughout the counties.
- Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme for discounts and services (requires a one: off payment of A GBP 5).
- Company sick pay.
- Competitive local government pension scheme.
- Job related equipment, as required.
- Free onsite parking at many police sites throughout the counties.
- Access to Group insurance scheme (via salary sacrifice scheme).
- Support networks, free Employees Assistance Programme, Occupational Health and wellbeing services.
- Development and training opportunities.
- Supportive and flexible training plan, including regular check: ins throughout your initial period of joining us to ensure you are up to speed with the role and getting the support you need.
Candidates who are successful through the recruitment process will be required to undertake a mandatory 6: week custody course, which will commence on Monday 9th November 2026 until Friday 18th December 2026 and will be based at Middlemoor Police Headquarters, Exeter, EX2 7HQ regardless of your base station.
INTERVIEW: Interviews will be week commencing 7th September 2026.
- If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would l
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Detention Officer in Plymouth employer: TipTopJob
At TipTopJob, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. Located in the serene surroundings of Thatcham, Berkshire, our mental health hospital provides extensive benefits, including a competitive salary and opportunities for continuous development, making it an ideal place for dedicated professionals to thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact on patients' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Detention Officer in Plymouth
✨Join Security Community Events
Dive into local security conferences and workshops. These events are goldmines for networking with industry professionals, and they often host recruiters looking for candidates for full-time roles like Detention Officer. Plus, you can showcase your passion and familiarity with the latest trends!
✨Connect with Industry Experts
Utilise platforms like LinkedIn to follow and connect with leaders in security services. Engage with their content; it shows your interest and can spark conversations that might lead to job opportunities at companies like TipTopJob. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for insights or informational interviews!
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Make sure your online presence reflects your skills in security services – think certifications, relevant projects, or coursework. Share your expertise through blogs or posts discussing recent trends in security. This will make you stand out to employers searching for full-time Detention Officer candidates.
✨Directly Apply to TipTopJob
Don’t forget to apply for the Detention Officer role directly through our website! It not only ensures that your application is seen by the right eyes but also demonstrates your enthusiasm for joining TipTopJob.
We think you need these skills to ace Detention Officer in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Certifications:When applying for a full-time position in security services, make sure to showcase any relevant certifications you have, like SIA or other security industry qualifications. This adds credibility and shows that you're serious about your career in this field.
Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail:In security roles, attention to detail is crucial. Use your CV and cover letter to provide examples of how you’ve noticed and addressed security vulnerabilities or hazards in past jobs. This will help us see your proactive approach to ensuring safety.
Tailor Your Experience:Don’t just list duties from previous jobs; instead, frame your experiences in a way that relates directly to the role at TipTopJob. Whether that's managing a team, conducting risk assessments, or successfully maintaining safety protocols, make this relevant to what we do.
Share Your Availability and Flexibility:Full-time roles often require a degree of flexibility. Make sure to clearly state your availability in your application, especially if you can work various shifts. This shows us your readiness to adapt to the needs of the role at TipTopJob.
How to prepare for a job interview at TipTopJob
✨Know Your Security Protocols
In the security services field, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the latest security protocols and technologies. Brush up on things like surveillance systems, access control, and emergency response procedures. You'll likely face technical questions, so having a couple of solid scenarios or case studies ready can really impress your interviewers at TipTopJob.
✨Demonstrate Situational Awareness
Prepare to showcase your situational awareness skills. You might be put in hypothetical scenarios where you need to assess potential risks or respond to incidents. Practising how you’d handle these situations ahead of time can give you the confidence to articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Emphasise Teamwork & Communication
Since security services often rely on effective teamwork and clear communication, be ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight any instances where you’ve had to relay critical information or work closely with other services – this is key for a role at TipTopJob.
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You can expect a variety of behavioural interview questions focusing on your past experiences and how you've handled challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Sharing specific examples from previous security roles or related jobs will help demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and reliability to the team at TipTopJob.
