Detention Officer - Custody

Hertfordshire Constabulary currently has vacancies and projected vacancies for detention officers.

Working as part of a team in support of custody sergeants, detention officers carry out a multi-functional role within very busy custody units.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has two custody suites, at Hatfield and Stevenage.

The custody units are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The custody department is managed collaboratively by a senior management team who manage custody units across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.
Custody staff are supervised locally by custody sergeants and dedicated custody inspectors.

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Ensuring that persons in police detention are afforded their rights and entitlements and are cared for and treated ethically and in accordance with legislation and Home Office rules.
The reception of police detainees involving the creation of computer records to book persons into police custody and the recording of actions and activities during detention.
Ensuring the welfare needs of detainees are met through the development and implementation of a care plan.
Monitoring multiple detainees and responding to individual needs.
Taking fingerprints, DNA and photographs of detainees.
Maintenance of custody, including safety checks and cleanliness of the facility.

Whilst the basic salary is around £23,835 with allowances this increases to approximately up to £30,375 a year.

Successful candidates will be able to display the following:
An ability to work under pressure.
Resilience and flexibility.
Patience and compassion.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
An ability to treat individuals fairly regardless of circumstance.
An ability to work as part of a team.
An eye for detail. A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office or similar computer packages.

Detention Officers are expected to work within a shift pattern, including nights and weekends.
The ability to travel independently to other custody suites within Hertfordshire (with notice) is essential, as you may be expected at times to travel to other custody stations to cover staff abstractions.

The application process will include an interview as well as medical and fitness assessments.
Fully paid training to carry out the role will be provided.

For the purpose of this application, you are expected to evidence against the entry requirements in the role profile (maximum 500 words) and 250 words answering the supporting question 'What skills and experiences do you have which you can bring to the role of Detention Officer?'

• In all parts of the form, please write clearly and concisely. If we cannot read it or understand it, we cannot score it. Pay attention to your spelling, punctuation and grammar. You are being assessed throughout this part of the application form on your written skills. 
• Avoid using jargon or slang terms. Remember that this is a formal application for an important and responsible job.
• Write in complete sentences, rather than notes or bullet points.
• You must not add extra sheets, write outside the space provided or write between the lines. No marks will be given for evidence outside the space provided.
• The application must be all your own work.

Please note, if you are shortlisted for interview, you will be expected to evidence against all personal qualities and the entry requirements stipulated in the role profile.

All internal staff from Bedfordshire Police, Cambridgeshire Constabulary and Hertfordshire Constabulary (including Agency Workers but excluding Specials and Volunteers) are eligible to apply for this post.

All internal applicants must have successfully completed their probationary period in order to apply for this role. 

Internal applicants should upload a up to date CV or completed ‘Staff internal role summary’ form, which can be found in the vacancy documents below. Please note you will also be required to provide evidence against the entry requirements as stipulated in attached role profile. See attached role profile for more details. As well as answer the supporting question.

External applicants should upload an up to date CV. Please note you will also be required to provide evidence against the entry requirements as stipulated in attached role profile. See attached role profile for more details. As well as answer the supporting question.

Police officers who accept an offer of a police staff role will need to retire as an officer and if they are currently on the Retire-Rehire Scheme, will need to leave that scheme.

Police officers considering retirement and being re-employed as police staff are required to read the attached Briefing Note as it contains important tax information regarding retirement and pension payments.

Due to this role involving shift work, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment by the Occupational Health and Safety Department.

Successful candidates will be placed in a pool to fill actual and projected vacancies over the next 12 months. There will be a five-week training programme followed by a period of mentoring in the workplace.