6014 Custody Detention Officer

Gloucestershire Constabulary is looking for committed, dynamic individuals to become part of their Custody Team as a Detention Officers (DO) within the Compass House custody suite, adjacent to HQ, Waterwells. As a Detention Officer on a full time basis you will work with others to deliver a service to the people of Gloucestershire whilst supporting the Constabulary in its aim to keep people safe from harm.

You will work alongside police officers, police staff and other agencies to assist with the smooth running of custody whilst reporting to the shift Lead Detention Officer (LDO) as your first line manager. This will entail working on a dedicated shift on a set twelve hour shift pattern which will be four on four off basis. The hours undertaken are two days at 0700-1900 followed by two nights of 1900-0700 hours and four rest days.

Your primary responsibilities will include ensuring correct access to the building is maintained, searching people arrested on arrival, applying appropriate restraint techniques and ensuring the welfare needs of those arrested are met. You will need excellent communication skills to interact with detainees, colleagues and staff from other agencies. You will be expected to maintain a standard of work that is in line with the key performance indicators as set by the Criminal Justice Inspector and that you maintain standards in line with the Police Standards of Professional behaviour and the police Code of Ethics. You will need good IT skills and be able to deal with a variety of different people in what can be a physically and emotionally demanding role.

The role within the custody environment can be a stressful and fast paced role so applicants will need to be able to stay calm under pressure and respond to a verity of challenging behaviours in ways that are appropriate and lawful. You will be working in what can be a very dynamic area of business and you will need to be able to respond to that environment appropriately.

Successful applicants should be able to work with minimum supervision whilst also performing as part of a team. Experience of working in a similar environment would be advantageous but is not essential. Training will be provided in the more technical aspects which will last four weeks and include everything needed to be able to be mentored by an experienced member of staff when you arrive on shift.

There may be opportunities to apply for development opportunities within this role.

Candidates will be required to undertake a four week training course which will predominately be at The Sabrina Centre, Berkley starting mid-January 2024. You will join your shift from mid-February 2024 where you will have a period of mentoring to demonstrate competence in the role. There are some elements of the role and the training course that are physically demanding so candidates will need a certain level of basic fitness to be able to perform the role. The expectation will be that successful applicants will be available for the entirety of the training course. 

Any offer of positions will be subject to the passing of vetting, to include biometric vetting and references check. Full details of the role are attached on the role profile.

The interviews will be based on four of the six CVF competency areas, namely the areas:

1. We are emotionally aware

2. We take ownership

3. Deliver and inspire

4. Innovative and open minded

A copy of the CVF framework is attached.

Interviews are intended to commence the week of the 26th June 2023 with results being sent out the week commencing the 3rd July 2023 ready for the necessary vetting and employment checks that need to be undertaken.

Please be aware. The last time we run an advert for this vacancy it was extremely popular and we shut the application process earlier than expected. In order to interview a manageable number of candidates for the number of posts available the advert will automatically close when we have received sufficient applications. If you are in the process of completing an application you will still be able to complete and submit it, even if the number of applicants needed have been received.

The advert will close at 1200 on 16th of June 2023 and candidates are advised to manage their time accordingly to give them the best opportunity to be able to apply.

Please refer to the Role Profile document when completing the Statement in support of your application section of the form. In this section, you are required to provide evidence with specific examples for each of the Essential criteria included under the Experience and Qualifications section of the Role Profile. For each of the criteria, please write a paragraph detailing how your experience, qualifications, skills and abilities meet the minimum criteria for the role. Applicants who do not provide this required evidence will unfortunately not be invited to interview.

If you are applying via Indeed: Please click on the following link to be redirected to our website, where you will be required to click on the vacancy to complete our application form-  https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/police-forces/gloucestershire-constabulary/areas/gloucestershire/ca/careers/police-staff/ The closing date for this role is included within the Indeed advert and all applicants MUST apply via our website. We regret that we are unable to accept applications outside of our website's application form and after the vacancy close date. As such, we suggest that you apply as soon as conveniently possible to avoid disappointment.

Should you require any further information regarding this role please contact Lynn Northfield at Lynn.Northfield@gloucestershire.police.uk