Detention Officer
| Posting date: | 13 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £27,204 to £29,859 per year |
| Additional salary information: | plus an additional 34.06% equalisation allowance |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 27 February 2026 |
| Location: | L3 |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Merseyside Police |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 3286 |
Summary
Detention Officer – Criminal Justice
Grade C – £27,204 – £29,859 + 34.06% Equalisation Allowance
Shift Worker | Various Locations across Merseyside (Copy Lane, Wirral, Belle Vale, St Anne Street)
Join Us. Make a Difference in Your Community.
As a Detention Officer, you’ll work in a supportive and fast‑paced environment where people are valued and development is encouraged. You’ll be joining a team committed to your growth, wellbeing, and success.
The Role
Working under the supervision of the Custody Sergeant, you will play a vital role in the safe, lawful, and respectful care of detained persons. Full training is provided.
Key Responsibilities
Receive and process detainees using Force and national IT systems, ensuring accurate custody records and documentation.
Support detainee welfare by preparing meals, providing first aid where needed, and supervising hygiene and exercise.
Facilitate the secure movement of detainees within the custody suite.
Process prisoners, including searching, fingerprinting, updating PNC records, and obtaining photographs.
Monitor detainees in line with the Custody Sergeant’s Care Plan, ensuring health, safety, and welfare needs are met.
Respond to enquiries and escort visitors, maintaining safety and security.
Provide evidence for prosecution purposes and attend court when required.
Liaise with external agencies (appropriate adults, solicitors, medical staff, interpreters).
Conduct regular checks of stocks, equipment, and cells to ensure standards are maintained.
Recruitment Process
We are currently recruiting for training start dates from August 2026 onwards.
Stage One – Online Application
Submit your application along with a 1000‑word statement explaining why you are suitable for the role. Refer to the Job Description and Leadership Framework for guidance (full training is provided, so don’t worry if you don’t meet every element).
Upload your 1000‑word evidence , copy of your CV and any qualifications
Stage Two – Face-to-Face Interview
If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview
Stage Three – Conditional Offer & Pre‑Employment Checks
Successful applicants will undergo vetting and medical checks before receiving a formal offer.
Training lasts 4 weeks, paid at 36.5 hours per week (without shift allowance).
After training, you will move onto your shift pattern and begin receiving the 34.06% equalisation allowance, with regular overtime opportunities available.
Grade C – £27,204 – £29,859 + 34.06% Equalisation Allowance
Shift Worker | Various Locations across Merseyside (Copy Lane, Wirral, Belle Vale, St Anne Street)
Join Us. Make a Difference in Your Community.
As a Detention Officer, you’ll work in a supportive and fast‑paced environment where people are valued and development is encouraged. You’ll be joining a team committed to your growth, wellbeing, and success.
The Role
Working under the supervision of the Custody Sergeant, you will play a vital role in the safe, lawful, and respectful care of detained persons. Full training is provided.
Key Responsibilities
Receive and process detainees using Force and national IT systems, ensuring accurate custody records and documentation.
Support detainee welfare by preparing meals, providing first aid where needed, and supervising hygiene and exercise.
Facilitate the secure movement of detainees within the custody suite.
Process prisoners, including searching, fingerprinting, updating PNC records, and obtaining photographs.
Monitor detainees in line with the Custody Sergeant’s Care Plan, ensuring health, safety, and welfare needs are met.
Respond to enquiries and escort visitors, maintaining safety and security.
Provide evidence for prosecution purposes and attend court when required.
Liaise with external agencies (appropriate adults, solicitors, medical staff, interpreters).
Conduct regular checks of stocks, equipment, and cells to ensure standards are maintained.
Recruitment Process
We are currently recruiting for training start dates from August 2026 onwards.
Stage One – Online Application
Submit your application along with a 1000‑word statement explaining why you are suitable for the role. Refer to the Job Description and Leadership Framework for guidance (full training is provided, so don’t worry if you don’t meet every element).
Upload your 1000‑word evidence , copy of your CV and any qualifications
Stage Two – Face-to-Face Interview
If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview
Stage Three – Conditional Offer & Pre‑Employment Checks
Successful applicants will undergo vetting and medical checks before receiving a formal offer.
Training lasts 4 weeks, paid at 36.5 hours per week (without shift allowance).
After training, you will move onto your shift pattern and begin receiving the 34.06% equalisation allowance, with regular overtime opportunities available.