Detention Officer (Oxfordshire)
As a Detention Officer, you will be based at one of our two Thames Valley Police custody suites in Oxfordshire (Abingdon/Banbury) providing support to Custody Officers and police investigators as they deal with a range of individuals – some being the most challenging and vulnerable in society. You will be the first point of contact in the suite for both officers and detainees, and will be responsible for managing risks and assessing vulnerabilities 24/7, 365 days a year under the supervision of Police Sergeants.
You will assist in the preparation, completion and administration of all documentation, information and computer records relating to persons in custody to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and operational accuracy, as well as responding to dynamic situations that will require you to think fast and act professionally.
You will be IT-literate, full of initiative and have excellent communication skills. You will maintain resilience when physically confronted. You will have proven ability to work flexibly and in a shift environment, and must also be willing to work at other locations in line with operational demand. Click here to watch a video about the role of our Detention Officers.
You will be required to complete at least 18 months’ service in the role of Detention Officer before you can move to for other roles.
Entry Requirements
- English Language/Literature GCSE (Grade 9-4/A-C) or equivalent qualification such as Level 2 Functional Skills or higher academic qualifications - certificates will be required. If you do not hold the mentioned qualification/s, recent equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
- Age 18 at date of employment (though you can apply at age 17) – no upper age limit
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Full UK driving licence
- access to own transport is required by completion of training
- The ability to undertake the standard fitness test and achieve level 5 shuttle 4
For further information on our full eligibility criteria, including vetting and medical standards, please ensure you read all the documentation attached to this vacancy before applying.
Training
- Five weeks’ training based at our training sites (Kidlington and Sulhamstead), designed to give you a solid understanding in the essentials of a Detention Officer’s role and powers.
- Receive officer safety training, which includes de-escalation and restraint techniques, as well as first aid training to College of Policing standards.
Successful candidates will go into a recruitment pool to fill planned Detention Officer courses in early 2026, subject to vacancies.
If you have any queries please contact the Recruitment Team on [email protected] quoting reference 5678/13243 (Ox).
Please use Google Chrome when completing your application, wherever possible, as this will enhance performance.
The closing date for enquiries and receipt of completed applications is Monday 30th June 2025. Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier dependent on application numbers.
At Thames Valley Police (TVP) we work together to protect our communities. Whether as an officer, staff member or volunteer, you will make a difference and play an important role in helping achieve our mission. As you take on a role with pride and confidence, you will be supported, developed and valued, ensuring you can be at your best in the service of our communities. Learn more About Us.
Working Smart. You will be joining an organisation that strives to improve every day. In the post-pandemic era this means changing the way we work and deliver our services, which brings a number of benefits including a more flexible and capable workforce.
Supporting You. Your wellbeing and safety is at the heart of all we do. Whilst you are doing the work that matters, we’ll be supporting you via a wide range of Wellbeing services, partnerships and initiatives. We have a number of active staff support networks and buddy schemes which you will have access to and can be involved with. We are committed to building a workforce that better reflects the communities we serve and an inclusive culture that not only values, but finds strength in difference. We also offer a comprehensive range of benefits and discount schemes, some provided directly by the organisation and others via partnerships including Blue Light card. Learn more about how we will be Supporting You.
Developing You. We promote a culture where your continuous professional development and learning is actively encouraged and where people have the opportunity, and responsibility, to achieve their full potential.
Vetting. All posts require a level of Police Vetting as per the National Vetting Code of Practice. The residency requirement is necessary to enable all applicants to be checked in an equitable manner. Thames Valley Police will allow applicants to apply who do not necessarily reach the criteria as long as they have proven UK residency and supporting evidence where necessary. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
