Detention Officer - Cambs

Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Permanent
Full Time
Criminal Justice & Custody
Other
Milton - North Cambridge
Scale 4
£27,204

Please note, if this is a paid role and the role is part time then the salary quoted will be pro rata based on the hours worked per annum.

Shift Allowance, Weekend Working Allowance
262.89
20%
37
Yes
18

Due to the extensive training programme required for this role, the successful candidate will not be able to apply for another police staff role within Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Hertfordshire police forces for the period of time stipulated above, from their start date.  They may apply to be a Police Officer.

1

28/12/2025, 23:55

Cambridgeshire Constabulary currently has vacancies for Detention Officers to provide staff for the new Custody Facility at Milton, North of Cambridge.  Post will be based at Parkside, Cambridge pending the opening of the new facility.

Basic annual salary range is between - £27,204  - £29,859. 

The role also includes additional allowances which include shift and weekend working.

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

Cambridgeshire Constabulary currently has two custody suites, at Thorpe Wood and Parkside. In early 2026 a new site will replace Parkside and be based at Milton to the north of Cambridge. The custody units are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

Successful Candidates may be posted to either custody suite but the most likely location will be the new Milton site.

Custody staff are supervised locally by custody sergeants and dedicated custody inspectors.
Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: 

  • Maintain security in and around the cell area complex and attend to all welfare needs of detained persons in custody in accordance with Cambridgeshire Custody operating procedure (COP).
  • Carry out the processing of detained persons, including booking in, conducting risk assessments and identifying control measures to maintain the health and welfare of the detainee, for checking by the Custody Sergeant.
  • Process detained persons by the taking of fingerprints, photographs, DNA, shoeprints, VIPER procedures and Class A drug testing in accordance with PACE and Force Policy.
  • Ensure, where possible, the identity of the detained person is checked and verified, carry out further checks on personal details and previous history using relevant sources (including foreign national checks where appropriate). Ensure the results of the checks are recorded and passed to the appropriate person.
  • Carry out searching of detainees and cells, as directed and/or authorised by the custody sergeant.
  • Provide relevant information to the Custody Sergeant to aid the completion of the pre-release risk assessments; and as directed by the Custody Sergeant, make appropriate referrals to partner agencies.
  • Comply with Health & Safety legislation and take full responsibility to ensure cleanliness of cells, cell corridors, medical rooms and kitchens at all times. Prepare food and drink for detained persons recording details on the custody record.
  • Maintain custody equipment and supplies to ensure sufficient stocks of materials are available at all times to ensure efficient and safe operation of the custody suite, including supporting the Custody Sergeant in maintaining the custody suite by identifying and reporting faults.
  • Provide administrative support to assist with the efficient running of the custody area.
  • Record, store and supply information in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational policy.
  • Where required, convey detained persons from the point of arrest to custody, or to other premises (including VIPER suite) or parts of the building in accordance with evacuation procedures.
  • When required to do so, facilitate and coordinate the hearing of Remand and Short Bail cases via video link, ensuring virtual court hearings take place efficiently and effectively.
  • Any other duties as directed from time to time by managers within Cambridgeshire.

Successful candidates will be able to display the following

  • An ability to work under pressure.
  • Resilience and flexibility.
  • Patience and compassion.
  • An ability to treat individuals fairly regardless of circumstance.
  • Experience in the use of IT and a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office or similar computer packages
  • Ability to operate, input and interrogate computer databases.
  • Mental agility and good observational skills
  • Excellent communication and listening skills, including the ability to communicate with individuals from a wide range of social and economic backgrounds
  • Ability to work as part of a Team
  • Physical ability to defend oneself and restrain detainees as appropriate
  • Ability to remain calm in stressful or potential conflict situations
  • Ability to travel to work at any custody suite in the constabulary/force.

  • Additional Information   

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

    As a Disability Confident leader, we take personal responsibility to help create an inclusive workplace, where police officers and staff respect one another, feel valued for their differences and can be themselves. We are committed to providing workplace adjustments, wherever needed so everyone feels welcome and can flourish. If you have a disability and you meet the minimum criteria for the position you are applying for, you will be entitled to an interview under the ‘Offer an Interview Scheme’.   

    It is recommended that you download and store a copy of the role profile as this will no longer be available once the advert has closed.  

Help us deliver outstanding policing for everyone.
We believe that to serve our communities effectively, we need people from all backgrounds, bringing a wide range of life and professional experiences. This helps us reflect the communities we serve and ensures we deliver the best possible service.


Why Choose a Career in Policing?
Cambridgeshire Constabulary is recognised as a pioneering and forward-thinking service, responsible for policing a large, diverse, and multicultural population.

If you're looking for a meaningful and rewarding career—where you can make a real difference, take on new challenges, and gain a wide variety of experiences—then we want to hear from you.


What We Offer
We’re proud to support our people with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Pension Schemes: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, with employer contributions and death-in-service benefits.
  • Generous Annual Leave: 24 to 33 days (depending on rank and length of service).
  • Sick Pay: Up to six months full pay and six months half pay (depending on service).
  • Family Leave: Occupational maternity, adoption, and paternity pay (depending on service).
  • Carers and Discretionary Leave
  • Flexible Working: Including compressed hours, flexible shifts, job sharing, annualised hours, and agile working (role dependent).
  • Wellbeing Support: Local wellbeing teams, on-site gym facilities and exercise classes (location dependent).
  • Sports & Social Clubs: Enjoy discounts, trips, and events through our dedicated clubs.
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Blue Light Card App: Option to sign up for discounts in-store and online for emergency service workers.
  • Financial Support: Access to Police Mutual for savings plans, insurance, loans, and independent financial advice.
  • Employee Assistance Programme: Confidential support for personal and professional wellbeing.
  • Staff Support Networks: Including groups for Black and Minority Ethnic colleagues, LGBTQ+ colleagues, disability awareness, menopause support, faith-based groups, and more.
  • Trade Union Membership: Access to UNISON.
  • Career Development: Opportunities for progression, promotion, and leadership training.


Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to building a workforce that is inclusive and truly representative of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, especially those currently under-represented in policing, including:

  • Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities
  • People of all ages and abilities
  • All faiths and religions
  • LGBTQ+ communities
  • Individuals from disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds

All applications are assessed fairly and based on the evidence you provide and your suitability for the role.

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Recruitment and Selection Policy
Internal applicants who are at risk of redundancy or in need of redeployment and pass the selection process, will be offered the role over the remaining internal and external applicants.


Police Barred and Advisory Lists
Individuals placed on the Police Barred and Advisory lists will not be considered for employment by the police for a minimum of 5 years from the date of listing in the case of gross misconduct, or 3 years from the date of listing in the case of poor performance.


Vetting and Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and operate safer recruitment processes, to ensure a police service that employees are proud to work for because they feel safe, valued and part of a happy and supportive work environment. All employees and volunteers therefore will be subject to background checks including vetting and references.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary recognises the growing use of AI tools in preparing job applications. While these tools can support you in expressing your skills and experience more effectively, their use must align with the principles of honesty, integrity, originality, and personal accountability. We want to learn about you and your own personal experiences and how these make you suitable for the role, this will be assessed throughout the recruitment process including at interview, which AI cannot replace. Please click HERE to find out more about the acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in our recruitment process.  

This advert is closed to applications.