As a Detention Officer, you will be based at our Abingdon custody suite in Oxfordshire 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 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, or details on how to obtain alternative proof of qualifications can be found on our Detention Officer careers page. 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 

• Full UK driving licence

  • access to own transport is required by completion of training

  • we are unlikely to progress applications from those living more than 40 road miles or a 1 hour commute from Abingdon police station

  • some travel to other custody suites may at times be required.  Applicants should consider that Thames Valley Police operates suites at several sites including Banbury, Milton Keynes, Aylesbury, Loddon Valley, Maidenhead, Newbury and High Wycombe

• 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 financial year 2026/27, subject to vacancies.

If you have any queries please contact the Recruitment Team on RecruitmentStaffDO@thamesvalley.police.uk quoting reference 5678/14273 (Ab). 

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 Sunday 22nd February 2026.  Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier dependent on application numbers.