Custody Detention Officer
Join Gwent Police as a Custody Detention Officer
Are you ready to make a real difference in your community? Gwent Police is seeking enthusiastic, caring, and reliable individuals to join our dynamic custody units, where you’ll play a vital role in safeguarding and supporting those in police custody. If you thrive in a team environment, possess excellent communication skills, and are passionate about helping others, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
What You’ll Do
As a Custody Detention Officer, you’ll work alongside dedicated colleagues to ensure the safety and welfare of detainees. Your responsibilities will include:
- Assessing and meeting the welfare needs of individuals in custody
- Conducting searches and collecting forensic samples (fingerprints, photographs, drug testing)
- Facilitating access to legal advice, healthcare professionals, and partner agencies
- Supporting investigating officers and contributing to the smooth running of our custody suites
What We’re Looking For
We welcome applicants who hold a full driving licence or can travel across the force area by alternative means. If you’re successful at interview, you’ll be invited to complete a fitness test (Level 5.4 Bleep Test), drugs test, biometric test (DNA swab and fingerprints), and a medical assessment, as well as undergoing vetting and reference checks.
The Fitness Test
The Level 5.4 Bleep Test is designed to assess your physical readiness for the role. You’ll run back and forth along a 15-metre track, keeping pace with audio bleeps that gradually increase in speed. The minimum standard is to complete four shuttles at level 5, showing your commitment to maintaining a good level of fitness.
Welsh Language Speakers Welcome!
We’re actively recruiting Welsh speakers to help us meet public demand and uphold our commitment to the Welsh Language Standards. If you're not yet fluent but eager to learn, we also welcome applicants who are committed to developing their Welsh language skills—support and resources are available to help you grow.
Key Dates
- Recruitment Guidance Session: 21st January (via teams) 6pm and 22nd January (via Teams) 1pm-2pm
- Custody Information Session: 26th January, 6pm at Newport Police Station
- Interviews: 23rd/ 24th/ 25th February 2026
- Fitness & Drugs Test: 17th March 2026
- Medical Assessments: 16th, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th March
Awareness Sessions Overview:
Recruitment Guidance Session
Join us for an informative session delivered via TEAMS on 21st January 6pm:
This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the recruitment process. This session will cover how to submit your application, offer practical guidance, and provide an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about joining our team.
In addition, there will be a one-hour drop-in session on 22nd January at 1pm for any further questions, or for those unable to attend on the 21st:
Custody Information Session
This in-person session will take place at Newport Central Police Station. You’ll have the chance to hear directly from a serving Custody Detention Officer about the realities and responsibilities of the role. The session also includes a guided tour of the Custody Suite, allowing you to experience the working environment first-hand.
To reserve your place at the Custody Information Session, please email: centralrecruitment@gwent.police.uk.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to take on this rewarding challenge, click the link below to view the full role profile. Complete your application by evidencing the required attainments. Guidance is provided to help you showcase your strengths.
Please note the titles of the areas you are required to evidence (as per the person specification) are pre-populated on the application form. Please refer to the person specification to find further information of the evidence required under each heading.
Please also refer to the candidate guidance attached below which provides more detail on how to complete your application.
Internal candidates, please ensure your Line Manager Approval form is submitted by the closing date.
This role offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact, develop your skills, and be part of a supportive team. If you’re passionate about helping others and want to contribute to safer communities, apply today and start your journey with Gwent Police.
What are our benefits:
Here at Gwent Police, we value our employees, and we provide ample support and training to ensure you excel in your role, alongside receiving benefits such as:
- Generous annual leave entitlement that rises to either 29 or 30 days depending on grade plus 8 bank holidays
- Employee Assistance programme and a range of wellbeing support programmes
- Free access to on-site gyms
- Discounts from various retailers via the Blue Light Scheme and Vectis Card
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Hybrid/Agile working (role dependant)
- Flexible working opportunities
- Local government pension scheme
- Range of support networks
- Generous maternity/paternity and adoption leave entitlements
- Generous sick pay provisions
- Option to become a member of UNISON, the public service union
- An option to join a contributory health plan, with a waived waiting time, which gives access to diagnostics and treatments.
Diversity and Welsh language
To enable us to deliver outstanding policing for everyone, we need people from all backgrounds, with a range of professional and life experiences, so that we are truly representative of our communities.
Gwent Police provide a positive action support programme for underrepresented groups. To find out more please email Brian, Salma & Clare via positive.action@gwent.police.uk or visit our positive action page here: Positive Action | Gwent Police.
We are proud to be a Welsh speaking policing service and welcome applications from candidates with Welsh Language skills.
Disability Confident Employer
We are recognised as a disability confident employer, we aim to recruit and retain disabled people, and people with health conditions, for their skills and talent. You can indicate on your application form whether you require any support or adjustments to enable you to do the job, or to assist you with your application.