Designated Detention Officer

Job Title: Designated Detention Officer (DDO)

Salary: Circa £39,447.  Your salary package will comprise of a starting base salary of £30,507, 20% shift allowance,  a location allowance of £1,841 and a non-pensionable allowance of £1,000. (Please note: During training, shift allowance will be 12.5%)

Location:  Across London 

The custody suite is at the heart of a police station and is a place where no two days are the same. As a Designated Detention Officer (DDO), you’ll be thinking on your feet, making quick decisions, reporting to the Custody Officer (Sergeant) and ensuring you’re there for detainees who may be facing some of the most challenging times of their lives.

So what is a Designated Detention Officer (DDO)?

DDOs play a vital role in the smooth running of our custody suites. You'll support the Custody Sergeant in dealing with the huge number of detainees who walk through our doors each year. Detainees will be your responsibility from the moment they're brought to the station, be that under arrest, returning on bail or there voluntarily. You will have designated powers that enable you to undertake your duties: taking DNA samples, fingerprints and photographs, where at times, the use of reasonable force may be required. At other times, you might be lending an ear to someone who’s vulnerable and in need of support. No previous experience is required and a full training package will ensure that you’re ready and equipped to perform at the highest of standards.

Other general duties include:

• Searching detainees
• Preparing and serving food to detainees.
• Assisting detainees and giving medication (when authorised to do so)
• General management of queries from visitors of the custody suite (such as police officers, solicitors and visitors).

You’ll work as part of a close team under the supervision of a Custody Officer (Sergeant) and you will support one another to ensure the smooth running of the custody suite. The importance of the DDO in our custody suites cannot be underestimated – not only are you an integral part of the team who maintains a safe and professional environment – but you’ll provide a lifeline to detainees who may find themselves in very difficult circumstances.

In return, you'll be rewarded with an immensely satisfying job that's never dull, a salary of circa £30,232 inclusive of location allowance of £1,721 (with an additional a 20% shift allowance once your training is complete) as well as an active role in keeping London safe.

What are we looking for?

Being a Designated Detention Officer (DDO) takes patience, empathy and will require the ability to remain calm and professional at all times.

You don’t need to have done this type of role before - life skills are more important than specific qualifications. The role requires good communication skills, sound record-keeping, common sense, resilience and a desire to make the custody suite a safe place to be. You'll need to be able to stand up for yourself and deal with confrontational situations. But you won’t be alone – there will always be regular police officers and other support staff on hand to help. When the going gets particularly tough, you'll appreciate the camaraderie that makes working in this environment so unique.

You will provide a visible presence and be the face of Met Detention, adhering to the Code of Ethics and MPS Values in the presence of 24/7 CCTV. Respect for others regardless of their race, age, background or reason for arrest is absolutely essential.

Training

Successful candidates will undertake an intensive six-week DDO foundation course on joining, to equip you with the skills required to be a DDO. You will receive training on all aspects of your role - where it sits within the Criminal Justice System, relevant legislation and your designated powers, how to use handcuffs, officer safety techniques and emergency life support skills, to name but a few. You must pass this DDO foundation course.

Location

We have custody suites across London. During the recruitment process, you’ll be asked for your preferences as to where you’re based. We always take these preferences into consideration, however cannot guarantee that we’ll be able to accommodate these as postings are made based on operational business requirements.

Shift Patterns

We operate 24/7, 365 days of the year. You’ll work to a shift pattern, working 12 hour shifts with both day / night shifts, and rest days. We’ll talk to you about shift patterns as you progress through the recruitment process. You’ll be eligible for Shift Disturbance Allowance (SDA).

Does this sound like you? If yes, start your application now. 

Please click on the below link to view an online candidate information pack that will you give you an insight into the Met, the competency framework we use which shapes our daily work behaviours, the application process and a host of other information, that will help inform and support your application:

https://sscl-innovation.com/MPScandidatepack/

Click the apply now button below and start your career at the Met. Applications will be via an online application form.