Designated Detention Officer

British Transport Police; Greater London; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days leave

Family-friendly policies

Blue Light Card

Salary sacrifice

Rail season ticket loan

Benevolent Fund

Apprenticeships

Pension scheme

Job summary

British Transport Police in London is seeking a Designated Detention Officer to join the Custody Team. You will manage detainee intakes, conduct risk assessments, and maintain custody records with professionalism and care.

You will carry out searches, biometric collection, provide basic care, and assist with court presentations while upholding dignity and human rights in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to input information into computer databases and handle basic admin tasks.
• Remain calm and professional in confrontational situations.
• Ability to apply appropriate force within training and guidelines.
• Commitment to customer service and human rights in practice.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Experience in custody settings is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage arrival of detainees, conduct risk assessments and open custody records.
• Conduct prisoner searches and collect fingerprints, photos and DNA when appropriate.
• Visit cells to ensure safety and cleanliness; support meals and communications.
• Supervise detainee activities and doctor examinations.
• Provide first aid and present evidence in court as required.
• Answer inquiries and promote equality, diversity and dignity.

Skills

Communication

Data entry

Calm under pressure

Customer service

Legislation knowledge

Custody environment experience

Job description

Job Introduction

Salary: Up to £29,483.96 per annum, £2,000 Market Supplement, plus £4,775.00 London Allowance and 20% Shift Allowance.

Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time

Location: London

Type of Working Arrangement: On Site

British Transport Police (BTP) is the national police force for the rail network throughout Great Britain. We are the ‘Guardians of the Railway,’ putting passenger safety at the heart of what we do. Our values are simply: We Care, We Do the Right Thing, We Strive to Be Better Every Day, We Are One BTP, and We Are Proud to Protect. Join us and help create an environment where we can all be our best every day.

The Opportunity

Are you looking for your next exciting career move? British Transport Police have an excellent opportunity for a Designated Detention Officer to join our Custody Team. Join our dynamic custody team where no two days are the same. You'll play a vital role in ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of detainees from the moment they arrive. From conducting risk assessments and managing custody records to supervising daily routines and supporting medical needs, you'll be at the heart of a fast-paced, people-focused environment.

You'll carry out searches, take biometric samples, and maintain clean, secure cells. Whether you're arranging meals, assisting with phone calls and visits, or presenting evidence in court, your professionalism and calm approach will make a real difference. With every interaction, you'll promote respect, equality, and human rights—ensuring everyone is treated with dignity.

What You'll Be Doing

• Managing the arrival of detainees, conduct risk assessments and open custody records, recording personal details and the reason/ circumstance of the arrest.
• Conducting prisoner searches, take prisoners fingerprints, photographs and DNA samples using reasonable force when necessary and appropriate.
• Conducting cell visits to ensure the safety of detainees, the ensure cells are clean and in good working order.
• Supervising detainee’s ablutions, exercise, telephone calls, visits and doctor examinations.
• Arranging and deliver appropriate meals and drink to the detainee’s taking into account dietary requirements.
• Providing first aid treatment when required.
• Presenting evidence in court and other hearings as required.
• Answering telephone calls and deal with enquiries.
• Promoting equality, diversity and human rights in working practices by developing positive working relationships, ensuring colleagues and detainees are treated with courtesy, respect and dignity.

What You'll Bring To The Team

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to accurately input information onto a computer database and the ability to carry out basic office administration using word processing and email software packages.
• The ability to remain calm and professional in confrontational situations.
• The ability to use an appropriate level of force to control detainees in accordance with training and guidelines.
• A demonstrable understanding of and commitment to delivering high levels of customer service.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Previous experience of working in a custody environment is desirable and/or demonstrable experience in similar secure settings.

What We Offer

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days after 5 years.
• Family-friendly policies, including up to 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave.
• Bespoke benefits platform and Blue Light Card access.
• Salary sacrifice options for cycles, home technology, gym membership, and electric vehicles.
• Interest-free annual rail season ticket loan after 6 months.
• Access to the Transport Benevolent Fund for health, welfare, and financial support.
• Development opportunities, including fully funded apprenticeships.
• Excellent Pension scheme: We offer the BTP GPP Police Staff Pension Scheme, administered by Royal London. This group personal pension plan is available to all police staff and is a defined contribution scheme. It provides the flexibility to vary your pension contributions from 4.4% to 12% of your salary. For more information, visit the Royal London dedicated pension page or email us at [e-mail]. Note: If you are an existing member of Police Staff in the RPS, your pension will not be affected.

Vetting:

Successful applicants will be required to pass Recruitment Vetting (3 years minimum UK residency required), including a full background and financial disclosure. For more information and Top Tips, please see attached document.

Medical:

We’ll ask for relevant health and medical history details to support employee wellbeing.

References:

We'll ask for references to cover the past 5 years.

Inclusion & Diversity

At BTP, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. We believe diversity drives innovation and better decision-making. Our roles are open to everyone, and we encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, women, LGBTQI+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those who are neurodiverse. As part of our commitment we operate a ‘Disability Confident Scheme’ - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.

For more information on Inclusion or the Disability Confident Scheme, please click the links Inclusion & Diversity Disability Confident Scheme

Join Us

Grow your career with us. We can’t wait to hear from you! See why BTP is right for you and click here for more information. For further information, please contact our Resourcing Team at [e-mail].