Custody Detention Officer

Better places, thriving communities.

Are you interested in working within the criminal justice system in a core role supporting the police? Do you have the empathy to work with vulnerable people? We are looking for people who want to make a difference working alongside the Police in custody suites, caring for detainees – from supporting them during the time spent in custody, completing forensic samples, working with other agencies to support and help with detainees' rehabilitation.

Previous experience working within the police/security/armed forces would be beneficial, but we will train you in full on an Initial Training Course even without previous experience.

You will be expected to use a computer and various programs competently during your working day.

The role requires the flexibility to work not only in your base custody suite but across an assigned region in the Police Custody Suites and Force area.

The next ITC is May 2026.

• Salary of £27,518.40
• Full time – this entails fixed shift working in a team rota pattern of 4 shifts on and 4 days off: 06:45 to 19:00 for 2-day shifts followed by 2-night shifts of 18:45 to 07:00, rolling rota available 2 years in advance.
• These patterns are contractually agreed with the customer: whereas there may be opportunities for a part-time or mutually agreed "Bank" contract, we require all employees to work full shifts, and part-time employees still need to carry out some night shifts.
• You refer a colleague who successfully joins us? That is £150 each time.

• Previous Police/Security/forces experience would be beneficial.
• Reasonable level of spoken and written English and basic numeracy.
• Competent in IT and using a computer.
• Full valid driving licence.
• Must have RTW in UK, lived in UK with British passport or ILR for 3 years + no gaps out of country more than 3 months.
• All candidates are subject to police vetting checks – clean driving/criminal record is essential.

The custody suites can be an energetic place to work, with no two shifts the same. Whilst detained, we provide individuals with all their physical, mental healthcare and wellbeing needs. We escort detainees, make recorded observations as per their individual plan, and work with colleagues and the Police to deal with any detainee that is a risk of harming themselves.

You will be working in a small team alongside Police Officers, with the support of experienced Senior Custody Detention Officers to learn from.

Once you have passed our selection and vetting process, you will begin your Police Services career by completing a 3-week initial training course (ITC) Monday to Friday 8 am – 5 pm on full pay. You will then have continued development.

We will support you every step of the way, developing your skills to professionally deliver this rewarding, sometimes challenging role with integrity and respect.

• Opportunities to progress to Senior Custody Detention Officer, where you will manage sizeable teams.

Our market-leading offering provides you with benefits that suit your lifestyle.

We have a virtual GP on hand for you and members of your household. So you can get expert advice by video or phone without having to leave your home. We offer financial wellbeing assistance through our Salary Finance scheme. For example, you could access 50% of your earned pay before payday for a small fee. Salary Finance also offers competitive loans.

When you join us, we’ll give you a link to our flexible lifestyle benefits platform, Choices. You might choose to purchase up to five extra days’ holiday each year. You might buy critical illness insurance, seek dental treatment or buy technology products at an affordable cost. There are many choices!

We give you access to high street discounts from thousands of well-known retailers, gyms and more through our MiDeals platform. And we have a cycle-to-work scheme. Life cover of up to four times your salary is available. We also offer enhanced pension contributions, a save-as-you-earn scheme, and a Mitie Matching Share Plan (you could even be awarded free shares in Mitie).

We award our…