Detention Officer

Detention officers (DOs) are the first point of contact for both police and detainees entering custody, ensuring they are safely managed throughout their detention following arrest. Working across the three counties of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire.

Custody is all about keeping people who have been arrested safe and secure while police officers investigate crimes. We have a duty to make sure people who are in custody have access to their rights and that they are being treated fairly.

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Misconceptions about custody vs reality

It’s not like the police documentaries you see on TV. Yes, there is challenging behaviour to deal with, but it is not constant. For example, whilst our DOs are trained to use reasonable force in custody, it is far from a daily occurrence. DOs are members of police staff and are not officers, but they do have designated powers in order to do their work.

"People think we put someone in a cell and get up and leave but there's a lot more to it - I help people and get them the right services they need. I make a real difference and have pride in where I work."

Beth, Custody Support Manager

What qualities made a good detention officer?

  • Good communication skills – Being able to talk to someone who may be going through a stressful experience is key.
  • Excellent teamwork – People often come into custody with vulnerabilities or challenging behaviour, so teamwork is important to manage these scenarios.
  • Strong resilience – Whilst we provide a lot of training to help our detention officers handle stressful situations, a good level of resilience is required for the role.

What do detention officers do?

DOs work across a shift pattern to provide a high standard of care for people who are detained by the police every day, week and month of the year. Their role includes:
  • supporting police officers bringing detainees into custody, completing initial documentation and searches
  • managing the care of detainees throughout their detention
  • taking DNA samples, obtaining fingerprints, and documenting arrests
  • working closely with a range of key professionals including healthcare providers, mental health staff, interpreters and solicitors
  • providing a kind and non-judgemental ear to those in need, accessing or signposting them to appropriate sources of support

Who can become a detention officer?

To apply for the role you’ll need to meet particular criteria:

  • Age 18 at date of employment (though you can apply at age 17)
  • 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 took your GCSEs in 2012 or later but do not have evidence of your results, you can apply to access your Personal Learner Record (PLR) from the .GOV website. If you do not hold the aforementioned qualifications, recent professional experience will also be considered.
  • Full UK driving license
    • We are unlikely to progress applications from those living more than 40 road miles or a 1 hour commute from their base station
  • Be in good health and able to physically and mentally perform your duties

How much are detention officers paid at Thames Valley Police?

From September 1 2026, the starting salary for a DO is circa £37,484 per annum (including all unsocial hours allowances on qualifying shifts, which include a mixture of early, late, and night shifts).

What is the application process to become a detention officer?

  • Step 1 – Self-assessment questionnaire
  • Step 2 – Application
  • Step 3 – Interview
  • Step 4 – Provisional offer
  • Step 5 – Vetting, references, medical checks and fitness test
  • Step 6 – Formal offer
  • Step 7 – Start date

What training do detention officers receive?

Training for the role takes five weeks and is designed to give you a solid understanding in the essentials of a detention officer’s role and powers. You will receive officer safety training, which includes de-escalation and restraint techniques, as well as first aid training to College of Policing standards.

Where are Thames Valley Police custody suites located?

We have six custody suites around the force, covering each Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire:

Berkshire

  • Loddon Valley
  • Maidenhead

Buckinghamshire

  • Aylesbury
  • Milton Keynes

Oxfordshire

  • Abingdon
  • Banbury

(We are unlikely to progress applications from those living more than 40 road miles or a 1 hour commute from their base station)

Are nursing roles available within our custody suites?

Healthcare professionals are onsite working alongside our detention officers – if you are looking to work in a nursing role, please consider vacancies with our healthcare partner Mountain Healthcare.

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Recruitment for Detention Officers is now open for vacancies in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire (until Monday 31 August).

Visit our vacancies portal to apply. 

Use of AI in Your Application

Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform such as ChatGPT or CoPilot can provide an excellent tool to help support your application to Thames Valley Police. However, it is important that AI is used appropriately and responsibly. Please visit our guide for using AI in your application.

Contact

If you would like to speak to our recruitment team, please email us at RecruitmentStaffDO@thamesvalley.police.uk 

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