Detention Officer

Salary: Scale 3 £25,242 - £26,703 per annum plus a 20% shift allowance and a 14.9% weekend working allowance.

Location: Spennymoor Investigation Hub

Hours/Contract: Permanent, full-time post with a weekly average of 37 hours, working part of a 24-hour rotating shift pattern

Vetting: Recruitment Vetting (RV)

Closing Date: 5pm, Friday 13 th November 2026

If sufficient applications are received, this vacancy may close early

The Role

Detention Officers assist the Custody Officer in the detention and welfare of detained persons in a state of the art new building. This will include taking fingerprints, obtaining personal descriptive information and any administrative duties

What You'll Do

As a Detention Officer you will search all cells, rooms and corridors within the cell area, to ensure that no breaches of security occur within the custody suite and assist in the movement of detained persons and their property within the custody suite. You will deal with enquiries relating to persons held in custody and supervise visits by official representatives, relatives and friends. The role also includes undertaking administrative tasks and taking fingerprints and photographs of detained persons.

What You'll Bring

4 GCSEs including English Language or Literature and Mathematics (Grade 9 to 4 / A to C) or an approved equivalent.

At least 2 years' experience of handling difficult/confrontational people or working in a disciplined environment.

If you hold a higher qualification than those required above or minimum 5 years relevant experience, please evidence this on your application and it will be reviewedby our recruitment team.

Salary & Working Hours

Scale 3 £25,242 - £26,703 per annum plus a 20% shift allowance and a 14.9% weekend working allowance, working the below 24 hour rotating shift pattern:

Week

Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

Sat

Sun

1

RD

RD

RD

2

RD

RD

RD

3

RD

RD

RD

4

RD

RD

RD

5

RD

RD

RD

RD

6

RD

RD

RD

RD

7

RD

RD

RD

RD

8

RD

RD

RD

RD

Shifts and working days may vary and are subject to change.

Founded in 1839, Durham Constabulary is one of the top-performing police forces in the UK, serving our County Durham and Darlington constituents of nearly 600,000.

We are committed to providing an excellent policing service that we and those we serve can be proud of and which keeps our communities safe.

Our force values which deliver the 'Durham Difference' are positivity, courageousness, fairness, inclusivity with integrity.

What We Offer

• a minimum of 26 days annual leave rising to 31 days after five years continuous service plus bank holidays. (Pro rata for part time posts)
• a defined benefit pension scheme through LGPS (career average) with death in service benefit
• flexible working arrangements including flexi-time and hybrid working
• access to a range of health and wellbeing services including an employee assistance programme
• access to a wide range of staff networking groups
• access to a range of high street discount services e.g., Blue Light Card
• interest free loans

The Course will commence Spring 2027.

For further information, please view the Job Description and Person Specification attached.

Further information

We are a proud to be an equal opportunities employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments at interview or in the role please contact us via emailprotected .

Any offer of employment will be subject to appropriate vetting checks which will be maintained/updated throughout the period of service.

Applicants must have been a UK resident for at least three years prior to the date of application.

If applicants have not been a resident in the UK for at least three years and can provide a VERIFIABLE certificate from the police of any country where they have taken temporary residence. The certificate must indicate that they have not been convicted of any offence whilst in that country or involved in any investigation by a Law Enforcement Agency.

Any tattoos deemed to be obscene, or advocates sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination, by written word or design is prohibited and the presence of such a tattoo would preclude an applicant from passing the recruitment process for employment with the Constabulary.

Please note: some documents may not currently be suited for use with assistive technology. If you require information in an alternative format, please contact us .