Detention Officer Bedfordshire

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.

£269.89 per hour annually at 20%; 20%; 37 hours; Competency and Value Framework (CVF) Level 1

Closing Date: 22/06/2026, 23:55

Police Custody Detention Officers

We are currently recruiting for candidates to join Bedfordshire Police as a Custody Detention Officer.

The role

Working as part of a team in support of custody Sergeants, Detention Officers carry out a multi-functional role within very busy custody units. 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.

Key duties and responsibilities

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.

Reception of police detainees, including 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.

Key skills, knowledge, and experience required

• Physical fitness to pass a medical assessment if required and ability to complete annual Staff Protection Training.

• Updated CV with past and present work history, detailing any gaps of employment.

• Ability to work under pressure, with resilience and flexibility.

• Patience and compassion.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to treat individuals fairly, regardless of circumstance.

• Ability to work as part of a team.

• Eye for detail and good working knowledge of Microsoft Office or similar computer packages.

• Ability to travel independently to other custody suites within Bedfordshire to cover staff abstractions.

Interview process includes an interview and medical questionnaire. Interviews take place in person; further details will be provided if shortlisted. Fully paid training will be provided. Successful candidates will complete a five week training programme followed by a period of mentoring in the workplace.

In return the force can offer

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Access to the Blue Light Card scheme
• Free access to force gyms

Hours and Location

Detention Officers are expected to work within a shift pattern, including nights and weekends across a rotating shift pattern. Location: Kempston and Luton Police Stations.

Additional Information

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

Internal applicants within Bedfordshire Police, Cambridgeshire Constabulary or Hertfordshire Constabulary (BCH) should upload either a CV or provide relevant skills, experiences and qualifications on a Word or PDF document.

This vacancy is live to those at risk of redundancy and will remain open to redeployees until the conditional offer stage throughout the recruitment process. Redeployees will take priority over other applicants during the recruitment process until conditional offer. If a redeployee is successful and accepts an offer, they will remain on their home force's terms and conditions.

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.

For more information on the Competency Values Framework (CVF) please click HERE Why Choose a Career in Policing?

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.

Bedfordshire Police 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

• 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.

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.

AI and Recruitment

Bedfordshire Police 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.