Detention Officer Awareness Sessions - HC

Detention Officer February 2026 Awareness Sessions - HC623237

We are recruiting for Detention Officers within custody and are holding awareness sessions to inform potential applicants about the role, duties and the recruitment process. Sessions will be run by recruitment and central custody advisor with extensive experience of the role.

If you are resilient, have good communication and people skills, can be challenged and work well in a team, and would like a rewarding role, book your space to learn more.

Locations:
Southampton, Portsmouth, Isle of Wight & Basingstoke. Roles are permanent and full-time at 37 hours per week. Detention Officers are paid a starting salary of £30,333 per annum, plus a shift allowance and weekend enhancement (approx. £800/month before tax, depending on shifts). A shift pattern including evenings and weekends will apply. Further information will be included in the awareness session.

Booking and application instructions: Please click the link for your preferred date to book a space via Eventbrite (one time slot only).

Thursday 19 February 2026, 18:30–19:30

Saturday 21 February 2026, 10:00–11:00

You will receive a Microsoft Teams link prior to your booked event. You will attend remotely. If no spaces are available on your preferred date, email police.rec

Do not submit an application via this advertisement. You will be able to apply after the awareness session has been completed and you have received an application link.

As a Detention Officer you will be based in a Police Investigation Centre, supporting custody colleagues and maintaining a high level of care and professionalism for those detained. Detention Officers are uniformed support staff with certain policing powers to execute duties and provide a high level of service. You must be alert, think on your feet and make informed decisions. You will be involved in the booking-in process, and duties may include taking fingerprints, photographs and DNA, recording possessions, and ensuring safety and security.

You will regularly monitor detainee condition and behaviour, assist with investigative procedures and preservation of evidence, while ensuring the safety of personnel. You will assist in detainee rights and entitlements and support the custody sergeant in releases when required.

Successful candidates will undertake a minimum six–seven week training course (Monday–Friday), assessed throughout. Training covers all aspects of the role and its place in the Criminal Justice System, police IT and systems, personal safety training and emergency first aid.

Educated to QCF Level 3 A-levels (or equivalent) or equivalent work experience. Applicants must have a full manual driving licence and may be posted to other locations (Portsmouth, Southampton, Basingstoke or Isle of Wight).

Please note that you must provide evidence of education and driving licence at interview stage.

Everything will be covered in the awareness session and you will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Please note that the email address provided when submitting an application will be used for contact throughout the vacancy lifecycle. You will not be able to amend contact details; ensure you use a reliable address as the process may take several months.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary is an inclusive employer and aims to have a workforce representative of the communities we police and serve. We promote equality and encourage applications on a full-time, part-time or flexible basis. We recognise ongoing efforts to address under-representation through Positive Action and related initiatives. Our Positive Action team can support through the application and assessment process

The Disability Confident campaign aims to remove barriers and ensure opportunities to fulfil potential. We accommodate reasonable adjustments where possible and encourage disclosure at the earliest opportunity.