Designated Detention Officers (DDOs)

Met Detention is dedicated to providing custody services across London's 22 primary police station custody suites, all operational around the clock. Our dedicated team of officers and staff, supported by custody experts, ensures safety and compliance. Each year we process more than 170,000 individuals, reflecting the diverse demands of today's London.

We are currently seeking diligent individuals to join us as designated detention officers (DDOs). Prior experience in this role is not necessary. Instead, we value life skills over specific qualifications or work history. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, a knack for sound record-keeping, common sense, and resilience. Above all, you should have a strong desire to maintain safety within the custody suite.

This role is not purely administrative. It is both physically and mentally demanding. It is crucial that applicants fully understand the role and the pressures involved in the custody environment, as outlined in the application process. This position offers a unique blend of responsibilities, ensuring that no two days are the same, and provides the satisfaction of knowing you are making a real difference.

Key requirements for DDOs

• Good communication skills
• Sound record-keeping abilities
• Common sense and resilience
• Desire and drive to ensure safety in custody suites

Join us

By joining our team, you will play an essential role in the functioning of London's custody suites, making a significant impact on the safety and efficiency of our operations. Your contributions will be vital in handling the high volume of individuals processed daily, ensuring the integrity and success of our service

The role of a DDO

Designated detention officers (DDOs) are essential to the efficient operation of our custody suites. You will assist the custody sergeant in managing detainees, including teenagers, vulnerable individuals, high-risk detainees, and those with complex needs. Our collective goal is to provide a safe custody environment where the rights and entitlements of detainees are protected. Detainees may be experiencing one of the most challenging days of their lives, and part of your role is to facilitate access to support services that can be a crucial lifeline.

Responsibilities

Data entry and record-keeping

Input detainee details into our electronic custody system and maintain activity logs throughout their custody.

Monitoring and cell visits

Conduct regular cell visits, monitor detainees, and respond to their calls for attention.

Processing detainees

Take fingerprints, footwear impressions, and collect non-intimate samples such as photographs, DNA swabs, and perform drug testing procedures.

Communication

Field telephone calls from healthcare professionals, solicitors, other Met employees, and those needing access to the custody suite or detainees.

Welfare duties

Support detainees with general welfare tasks, including arranging and delivering meals, considering specific dietary requirements.

Court attendance

Attend court and provide evidence when required.

Facility maintenance

Ensure custody facilities are maintained and presentable for the next detainee.

Additional searches

Assist with further searches of detainees as directed by the custody sergeant.

Working environment

Team collaboration

Work under the supervision of a custody sergeant within a supportive team, fostering a family-like atmosphere

Challenges and rewards

While the role can be challenging, with some difficult experiences, there is robust support in place to help you cope. The job is immensely satisfying, fast-paced, and offers the opportunity to make a significant difference to the community and London

By joining our team, you will play a vital role in the smooth running of the custody suite, making a tangible impact on the safety and well-being of detainees.

Shift pattern and working hours

As a Designated Detention Officer (DDO), you will work within a structured shift pattern to ensure our custody suites are operational 24/7, 365 days a year, including night shifts. The shift pattern is standardised across all custody suites and involves 12-hour shifts, with designated rest days.

Day - Day shift
Night - Night shift
Rest - Rest day

This cycle repeats, ensuring you have regular intervals for rest and recovery between shifts.

Flexibility and requests

While the shift pattern is fixed to maintain consistency across all custody suites, we understand the importance of work-life balance and may accommodate requests for shift changes or specific placements where possible. However, flexibility is essential due to the nature of the role and the need to ensure continuous operation of our facilities.

By adhering to this shift pattern, we ensure that our custody suites are consistently staffed, providing a safe and efficient environment for detainees and staff alike.

Shift disturbance allowance

Working a shift pattern qualifies you for a shift disturbance allowance. Details about this allowance will be discussed further during the recruitment process.

Vacancies and posting preferences

We have vacancies across various locations in London. During the recruitment process, you will be asked to provide three preferences for where you would like to be posted. While we strive to accommodate your preferences, operational requirements may necessitate posting you in locations based on immediate needs.

We will inform you of your assigned location and will endeavour to consider your preferences where possible. If your preferences cannot be accommodated you will have the option to request a transfer once you have completed your training and mentoring period.

Please also note that you may be required to work at different locations, depended on operational requirements.