South Wales Police
Custody Detention Officers (CDO) Campaign October 2026
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CUSTODY DETENTION OFFICERS
VACANCIES IN SOUTH WALES POLICE
Scale 3/4 SCP 14 – 21
Salary: £25,948 rising to £29,859
plus shift allowance and weekend enhancement on completion of training
Applications will go live at 9am on Monday 5th October 2026 and close at 12pm on Monday 2nd November 2026
If you are ready for the next challenge in your career or feel you have the skills to thrive in a new role, take advantage of the Custody Detention Officer opportunities now available within South Wales Police.
We are currently recruiting for Custody Detention Officers within the South Wales Police area. You will be based at one of the 4 custody suites at Cardiff Bay, Merthyr Tydfil, Bridgend or Swansea.
The Custody Detention Officer role is responsible for assisting in the secure detention, care and welfare of detained persons and their property, in accordance with the powers as detailed in the Police Reform Act 2002, ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
To support the Custody Sergeant conducting the booking in process, you will record the detained person’s possessions, take their fingerprints, their photograph and make sure they are secure in a cell. During their time in custody, you will take them food and drinks and make regular cell checks. There will be phone calls to answer, solicitors to deal with and a whole host of other things to do.
This will offer you the exciting opportunity to work within our dynamic custody suites. We will build upon your skills and abilities and teach you to deal effectively and professionally with persons who have been detained in police custody.
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As custody is a 24-hour, 7 day a week business, successful candidates will be required to work a shift pattern covering the business hours. This will involve weekend and night shift working in accordance with the 4 on 4 off pattern of 12 hours shifts; 2 days 0700-1900 hours followed by 2 nights 1900-0700 hours followed by 4 days off.
You are eligible to apply for this role if you are 17 years old or above, however you must be 18 by the intake date.
Role
This is a challenging job where we require unique individuals. Detainee behavior can be challenging, even volatile, so the perfect candidate for this role will have:
- The ability to handle situations with respect, empathy and understanding
- The ability to remain calm and controlled in a tense environment
- Great communications skills
- Good computer, spelling and grammar skills
- Attention to detail
In return, you will have an immensely satisfying job making a significant contribution to safeguarding the communities of South Wales.
Interested in finding out more about the role?
SWP are holding a Familiarisation session at South Wales Police Headquarters, PLC Building, Cowbridge Road, Bridgend CF31 3SU on Thursday 15th October 2026. This session will provide you with advice on how to apply for the role, the duties you will have to undertake, answer any questions you may have and experienced CDO’s will be in attendance to give you an insight into their day-to-day duties. Please register your attendance below.
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Custody Detention Officer (CDO) Awareness Session - Thursday 15th October 2026 - Police Jobs Wales
As an equal opportunities’ employer, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. However, as Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates are currently underrepresented within the Force, we would particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic applicants. If you would like more information on the opportunities, support offered and the forthcoming recruitment campaign, please contact our Positive Action Team on PositiveAction@south-wales.police.uk
Posting will be based on where vacancies are located and it is anticipated that both Cardiff Bay and Swansea Custody suites will require staff however, final posting will be made at the discretion of the Custody Services Senior Management Team and could be at any of the four suites.
Application criteria
Please note that you will be required to upload evidence of your level 2 English and Maths certificate at the same time as you submit your application.
Please upload your CV in a Word document and your personal statement to the system also in word
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