Custody Officer - Kaitaia

New Zealand Government; Whangarei; On-site; NZD 74,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

A national police service is seeking a Custody Officer based in Kaitaia, Northland. The role involves ensuring the health and safety of detainees while managing their care during custody. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are essential for success. The position requires working in shifts, including weekends, and offers competitive pay ranging from $74,748 to $78,129 depending on experience. Join a dedicated team to make a difference in community safety as a Custody Officer.

Benefits

On-the-job training

Possibility to progress within the Police

Competitive salary

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills both verbal and written are essential.
• Resilience and ability to de-escalate situations in a calm manner.
• Attention to detail and accurate recording of information is crucial.
• Duty of care for detainees' health and safety.
• Reliable and trustworthy team player.

Responsibilities

• Assist with prisoner management within the Custody Unit.
• Monitor detainee behavior and ensure their safety.
• Provide professional care and meet standards continuously.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Resilience and calmness under pressure

Attention to detail

Team player

Computer skills

Education

Full New Zealand Driver Licence

Job description

New Zealand Police is working with the community to make New Zealanders safe and feel safe. With over 15,000 staff, we provide policing services 24 hours a day, every day. We operate by land, sea and air, manage over 860,000 emergency calls a year and are always actively preventing crime and crashes.

We’re working towards specific goals and targets that highlight our intent to work collaboratively with iwi and communities, other government sectors and business partners to deliver our business and achieve long‑term change.

Custody Officer, Kaitaia, Northland

• Based at Kaitaia
• Salary starting from $74,748.00
• Permanent Role – Multiple Positions
• Police Employee
• JR5376645

E tῡ ki te kei o te waka, kia pakia koe e ngā ngaru o te wā. Stand at the stern of the canoe and feel the spray of the future biting at your face

Mō te tūnga | About the role

New Zealand Police are committed towards ensuring New Zealand is the safest country by delivering services that ensure our communities feel confident, safe and secure.

Our Kaitaia Custody Team are seeking a motivated individual to work within our dedicated staff as a Custody Officer.

The role of a Custody Officer within NZ Police is pivotal, and Custody Officers are responsible for providing an appropriate standard of care for detainees whilst they are in our custody. Your main purpose will be to assist with prisoner management within the Kaitaia Custody Unit based at the Kaitaia Police Station and/or at the District Court as required.

In this position you will need to be able to work shift work and weekend work when required at either the District Custody Unit or the Courts as directed.

Applying the principles of manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga and aroha you will be responsible for ensuring the health and safety of detainees, monitoring their behaviour, providing proper care and ensuring professional standards whilst they are in our care are continuously met.

This role is not for the faint hearted and will require someone who is confident, open‑minded with attention to detail and willing to follow stringent safety procedures.

Why work at Police?

• It is an organisation and career to be proud of.
• You will be helping to keep communities safe.
• There is on‑the‑job training in support of your development.
• You will partner with other services in supporting detainees.
• Possibility to progress within the Police.
• Competitive salary.

Nga kawenga matua | Key Accountabilities

• Strong communication skills both verbal and written.
• Resilience, perseverance with the ability to de‑escalate situations in a calm and professional manner.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate, precise recording of information.
• Duty of care, understanding the welfare, health, safety and level of care required for detainees.
• Strong team player, reliable and trustworthy.
• Decisive, cool, calm and demeanour – you can think on your feet, can use your initiative and works well under pressure.
• Good computer skills – comfortable learning new systems; you will be required to input and update data accurately in Police systems therefore accurate typing skills are essential.

He aha taau e kawe mai | What you’ll bring

Whilst we are looking for skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the role, we also place high importance on your state of mind, the alignment of your values with ours, your ability to contribute to and build high‑performing teams, and the way that you lead yourself or others.

Whakaritenga motuhake | Special requirements

• Hold a full New Zealand Driver Licence.
• Have the right to work and live in New Zealand.
• Be physically fit and able to complete a fitness assessment as part of your recruitment process.
• Be willing to complete a pre‑employment medical assessment (including a drug test).
• Be able to work a variety of shifts (6:30 am – 2:30 pm / 2:00 pm – 11:00 pm / 10:00 pm – 7:00 am) including weekends and public holidays, on a 6‑day‑on, 4‑day‑off rota.

This role is Individual Contributor/Emerging Leader level. You can refer to Indicators for Success for further information on the requirements.

Mo tātou | About us

New Zealand Police is the lead agency responsible for preventing crime and enhancing community safety. It works in partnership with individuals, communities, businesses, and other public sector agencies towards the vision of making New Zealand the safest country. Police is the government’s largest front‑line response agency with around 15,000 staff in large and small communities all over New Zealand and in liaison and policing development roles overseas.

Your development is highly valued at NZ Police. Our employees enjoy significant investment in their development not only at an individual level, but also at the team and community of practice level. We work hard to match you with work that will both play to your strengths and challenge you in new ways.

The work you’ll be engaged in is real, tangible work that directly benefits our frontline and communities. Taken all together, this means we can offer you career path opportunities to progress in your chosen profession and become a more well‑rounded, experienced leader, with opportunities across the range of work we support.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Please note: Applications submitted directly through the Government Jobs Website are no longer considered. Please visit our Police Careers page and apply that way.

If this position sounds like you then click on Apply Now as your new career for 2026 is waiting for you.

To view more detailed information about our recruitment process along with further details about requirements please click below link: Applicant Information Pack (External).

Utu ā‑tau | Salary

This position is covered by a collective agreement and salary will commence between $74,748.00 and $78,129.00 depending on skills and experience relevant to the role.

If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact [e-mail].

Advert closes at 5pm, Sunday 14th December 2025.

Applications will be reviewed and progressed through the process prior to the advert closing so don’t delay as your new career for 2026 starts by applying now!