Detention Officer

We are looking for detention officers to work at various locations around Kent.

You'll be working as part of a team responsible for the reception, care and management of detainees including recording daily interactions and completing forms.

Detainee behaviour can be challenging - even volatile - so the ability to handle situations with respect, empathy and understanding is important, as is the ability to remain calm and controlled.

You'll need good spelling and grammar as well as attention to detail as you'll be recording daily interactions with detainees and completing forms.

Above all, you'll need to be able to communicate effectively with all kinds of people from all walks of life, many of whom are vulnerable or confrontational.

As custody is a 24/7 business, you'll be required to work a shift pattern. Details of the shift pattern can be found on our website - www.kent.police.uk/ddo-shifts

Where you’ll work

Consideration will be given to where you live when we allocate your work locations although we are unable to guarantee you get the location of your choice.

We provide a countywide custody service on a daily basis, the role may require you to cover a variety of locations around the county.

Please note you must be able to travel to different custody suites across Kent and therefore it is essential you have access to a vehicle with the appropriate business use insurance.

Pay and benefits

• competitive salary - you will receive £23,541 (plus 10% shift allowance) once you’ve successfully completed the training course and a six-month probationary period
• 23 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Local Government Pension Scheme– you pay in and Kent Police also contribute
• excellent training and support that will support future career opportunities and progression
• you will also have access to a wide-range of discounts and special deals including
• discounts and cash-back rewards at major high street stores, retail outlets, restaurants and other organisations through Kent Police Recreation Association (KPRA)and the Blue Light card
• Cycle2work Scheme
• free on-site parking
• gym facilities
• eyesight vouchers
• sports and leisure clubs - we offer a range of subsidised activities. From athletics to archery, football to fishing and ten-pin bowling to triathlons. A wide-range of sport groups are available whatever your ability or experience
• access to various staff support networks and well-being services such as occupational health, physiotherapy and counselling services

Vetting

Before anyone joins Kent Police we need to undertake a series of vetting checks to help identify and assess any identified risks including criminal record and credit reference checks. To help us do this we ask you to complete a detailed vetting form which asks for details of your family members (parents, partner, children and siblings) and any criminal associates. You must let anyone whose details you have provided know that they will be looked into as part of your pre-employment checks. Legislative constraints mean that we’re unable to disclose the results of enquiries on third parties.

Other information that we will ask you to disclose includes financial information such as outstanding debts, CCJs etc. We run a credit reference check on all applicants. Police staff have access to privileged and highly sensitive information, which may make them vulnerable to corruption, so it’s important for us to understand applicants’ financial situation.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: From £23,541.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free flu jabs
• Free parking
• Life insurance
• On-site gym
• On-site parking
• Sick pay
• Store discount
• Wellness programme

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Night shift
• Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Maidstone, Kent: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• Are you over the age of 18?
• Do you have permanent right to live in the UK?
• Have you lived in the UK continuously for the last three years (this does not apply if you've been abroad with the British Armed Forces)?
• Do you have any previous criminal convictions or cautions (including those spent), fixed penalty notices, traffic offences or any involvement with the police? These must be declared and they may affect your application
• Have you been unsuccessful in an application for the same role with any force in the last six months? If so, you will not be eligible to apply.
• You will be required to travel between suites, even at short notice. Do you hold a driving licence and have access to a vehicle at all times?

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: DDO