Locations: Harrogate / York / Scarborough

Salary: Scale 3-4 (£24,222 - £28,653) plus weekend working and shift allowance 

Contract: Permanent / full time

Shifts: 12-hour shift pattern consisting of 2 x day shifts (7am to 7pm), 2 x night shifts (7pm to 7am), then 4 rest days

Detention Officer job description

We are pleased to announce we are currently recruiting for a Detention Officer to work within our busy Harrogate, York and Scarborough Custody suites. This is a unique opportunity to work within the heart of operational policing, assisting police officers and members of the public on a daily basis. As a Detention Officer you will carry out a wide range of duties to ensure the safety, security, and hygiene of the custody environment. You will also monitor and maintain the welfare of the detainees and provide support to the Custody Sergeant.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Booking-in detainees, drug testing, taking DNA and similar samples, searches, taking photographs and fingerprints; all to provide the Force with information to aid the detection of crime.
• Making the Custody Sergeant aware of any changes in behaviour or well-being of detainees so that any welfare concerns are addressed immediately.
• Applying procedures, guidelines and statutory requirements relevant to the detention of prisoners to ensure compliance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, (PACE), Home Office guidelines and Criminal Law.
• Providing administrative support in connection with custody suite systems and procedures to ensure the service provided is efficient and that records are properly maintained supporting the effective management of the unit. 

Please review the job description for a list of all responsibilities.

This is a challenging yet rewarding role which requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to demonstrate resilience in potentially difficult situations. In addition, you must:

• Have good keyboard and computer skills, with the ability to learn to utilise bespoke software packages and all relevant security policies and operating procedures. 
• Able to work effectively in a team to achieve shared objectives, demonstrating awareness of individual differences and providing support as required.
• Have good communication skills with the ability to listen to others.
• Be able to show experience of working in a pressurised environment and on own initiative.
• Be able to proactively develop effective working relationships with colleagues, partners and other stakeholders.
• Hold a full UK driving licence.

Please note as confirmation of post will be subject to the individual passing a 3-week (Mon–Fri) training course which is delivered within force. During your probation you will undertake a Detention Officer accreditation period and once you have been signed off on certain areas this will lead to pay increments. Once you are in the role, you may be required to work in other custody suites across North Yorkshire to provide resilience for the Directorate when required.

Working for us 

Working for the emergency services is truly rewarding, and we want to inspire all colleagues to achieve their full potential. Everything we do has a direct impact to the service our organisation delivers, and each of us contributes to ensuring our communities continue to feel safe.

You’ll be welcomed into an organisation that is committed to ensuring everyone is treated fairly and supported equally. We value different perspectives, skills and experiences and we care about the well-being of our staff, and actively support people so they can perform to their best. 

As a valued member of North Yorkshire Police, you will receive:

•  Competitive salary
• Local government pension scheme
• Option to sign up for Vivup, which will give you access to a fantastic range of exclusive discounts and well-known online and high street retailers. 
• Access to the Blue Light Discount Scheme
• A fantastic number of Inclusion and Diversity Support Networks
• The option to join NYP Sports teams, including Rugby and Swimming, Archery and Hockey
• Our staff are important to us, so we like to ensure we provide continued training and development opportunities to upskill where possible.
• You can join UNISON as the recognised trade union in North Yorkshire Police.

North Yorkshire Police value difference. We have a positive action team who are dedicated to supporting you through your application and beyond. If you feel you need any reasonable adjustments to help reach your potential, please contact our Positive Action Team - positiveaction@northyorkshire.police.uk

If you are looking for a new and exciting challenge, then please submit your application, and include all relevant skills and experience to be considered for an interview.

Closing date: Friday 21^st February 2025 @ 0900am

Interviewing: Week Commencing 3^rd March 2025