Mitie Custody / Detention Officer Interview Questions and Answers
As a Mitie Custody or Detention Officer, you play a critical role in ensuring the safe, secure, and respectful management of individuals in custody. This position demands professionalism, integrity, and excellent communication skills. Your responsibilities may include monitoring detainees, maintaining accurate records, ensuring detainee welfare, and working closely with law enforcement teams. In the UK, salaries for Mitie Custody / Detention Officers typically range from £25,000 to £32,000 per annum, with opportunities for overtime and progression.
In this article, I’ll walk you through 25 fully explained interview questions and answers, including competency-based STAR model examples, ending questions, do’s and don’ts, and confidence-boosting tips — all based on my 25 years as an interview coach helping candidates secure roles in the security, law enforcement, and public safety sectors.
1. Tell me about yourself
Answer: “I have over five years of experience working in security roles, including managing challenging individuals with professionalism. I’m passionate about ensuring safety and fairness in custody environments, and I value teamwork, resilience, and empathy.”
2. Why do you want to work for Mitie?
Answer: “Mitie has a strong reputation for professionalism and service excellence. I’m drawn to your values of integrity, teamwork, and dedication to public safety, and I believe my experience aligns perfectly with your mission.”
3. What do you understand about the role of a Custody / Detention Officer?
Answer: “The role involves safeguarding detainees, ensuring compliance with legal procedures, maintaining records, and managing incidents with calm authority while treating everyone with dignity.”
4. Describe a time you dealt with a difficult situation. (STAR)
Situation: While on duty, I encountered an aggressive detainee.
Task: Ensure safety without escalation.
Action: Maintained a calm tone, created space, and followed de-escalation protocols.
Result: The detainee complied, avoiding any harm or further incident.
5. How do you ensure detainee welfare?
Answer: “By following welfare checks, providing food, water, and medical support when needed, and treating detainees respectfully at all times.”
6. What would you do if you witnessed a colleague acting inappropriately?
Answer: “I would follow policy by reporting the incident to a supervisor immediately, ensuring transparency and safeguarding detainees’ rights.”
7. How do you manage stress in high-pressure environments?
Answer: “I focus on breathing techniques, clear thinking, and prioritising safety. I also ensure I’m well-prepared and aware of protocols.”
8. What is your understanding of human rights in custody?
Answer: “Detainees must be treated with dignity, given access to legal representation, healthcare, and communication, as outlined in UK legislation.”
9. How do you work effectively in a team?
Answer: “I share information, support colleagues, and step in where needed, always prioritising safety and shared goals.”
10. How would you respond to a detainee refusing instructions?
Answer: “I’d remain calm, use clear communication, and attempt to de-escalate while ensuring safety and following established procedures.”
11. Tell me about a time you used problem-solving skills. (STAR)
Situation: Detainee refused to enter a cell.
Task: Resolve situation without force.
Action: Negotiated calmly, explained reasons, and offered options.
Result: The detainee complied voluntarily.
12. How do you maintain accurate records?
Answer: “By documenting events in real-time, checking entries for accuracy, and ensuring compliance with data protection policies.”
13. How would you deal with someone experiencing a mental health crisis?
Answer: “I’d ensure immediate safety, call for medical assistance, and engage with empathy while following mental health protocols.”
14. What motivates you in this role?
Answer: “Making a difference by ensuring safety, fairness, and respect for all individuals, even in challenging circumstances.”
15. How do you handle confidential information?
Answer: “By strictly following confidentiality policies, only sharing information with authorised personnel, and securing all records.”
16. Tell me about a time you showed resilience. (STAR)
Situation: Faced repeated verbal abuse from a detainee.
Task: Maintain professionalism.
Action: Stayed calm, avoided retaliation, followed policy.
Result: Situation resolved without incident, maintaining trust with team.
17. How do you ensure compliance with health and safety?
Answer: “By following training, risk assessments, and reporting hazards immediately.”
18. Describe your communication style.
Answer: “Clear, concise, calm, and adaptive — adjusting my tone and language to suit the situation and audience.”
19. What do you know about Mitie’s values?
Answer: “Integrity, teamwork, and a commitment to exceptional service in all environments, including high-pressure custody situations.”
20. How would you act if a detainee complained about their treatment?
Answer: “I’d listen respectfully, document the complaint, and follow the official complaint process.”
21. How do you keep yourself physically and mentally fit for the role?
Answer: “Through regular exercise, balanced diet, adequate rest, and mental wellbeing practices.”
22. Describe a time you had to act quickly under pressure. (STAR)
Situation: Medical emergency in custody.
Task: Provide immediate support.
Action: Called first aid, ensured detainee safety, cleared area.
Result: Incident managed effectively, with detainee receiving prompt care.
23. How would you manage a language barrier with a detainee?
Answer: “I’d use translation services, non-verbal communication, and patience to ensure understanding.”
24. How do you adapt to changes in procedures?
Answer: “By staying up-to-date with training, reading all policy updates, and practising flexibility in approach.”
25. Do you have any questions for us?
Answer: “How do you support Custody / Detention Officers in developing their careers within Mitie?”
Do’s and Don’ts for Your Mitie Interview
Do:
Research Mitie’s values and recent projects.
Use the STAR model for competency questions.
Maintain eye contact and calm body language.
Don’t:
Speak negatively about past employers.
Forget to prepare questions for the interviewer.
Ignore the importance of presentation and punctuality.
General Interview Coaching Encouragement
Remember, the Mitie Custody / Detention Officer role is not just about maintaining security — it’s about safeguarding dignity and fairness. Confidence comes from preparation, so rehearse your answers, know your STAR examples inside out, and stay calm under pressure. As your interview coach, I can tell you that your ability to show empathy, resilience, and professionalism will make you stand out.
If you want tailored interview coaching or interview training, you can book a session with me here. Together, we’ll ensure you walk into your interview fully prepared to succeed.
