Designated Detention Officer (DDO)

The custody suite is at the heart of the police station.

To work in this beating heart is definitely challenging, but can be hugely rewarding.

No two days are the same. You’ll need to be alert at all times, thinking on your feet and making quick decisions.

You’ll make a positive difference.

Being a Designated Detention Officer (DDO) takes patience, understanding and tons of resilience. But if you have thick skin, and professional pride in what you do, wanting to give due care and attention to someone who's been abusive or violent towards you, providing an ear to someone who's vulnerable and in need, you'll find this an exceptionally rewarding and varied role.

So what is a 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, fingerprints and photographs, where at times, the use of reasonable force is required. You will undertake other general duties including the searching of detainees, preparation and serving of food, assisting detainees and administering medication when authorised to do so, along with general management of queries from visitors to the custody suite eg. police officers, solicitors and visitors.

You will work as part of a team, under the supervision of a Custody Sergeant. You’ll give each other great support, working as a family to ensure smooth running of the custody suite. The role of the DDO in our custody suites cannot be underestimated – not only are you an integral part of the team who maintain a safe and professional environment, you provide a lifeline to detainees who may be facing one of the most difficult times of their lives.

If you can do all of this and still shrug off your experiences at the end of the day, you'll be rewarded with an immensely satisfying job that's never dull, as well as the opportunity to make a real difference to the community and London itself.

Do you have what it takes?

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. A thick skin will come in very handy too. But you’ll never 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 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.

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 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).

Salary

Circa £24,300 to £25,900 depending on your location. A 20% shift allowance is payable upon completion of your initial training.

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

We view diversity as fundamental to our success. To tackle today's complex policing challenges, we need a workforce made up from all of London's communities. Applications from across the community are therefore essential.