Arrest guard

What does an arrest guard do? – Tasks and work environment

An arrest guard is responsible for monitoring and caring for detained individuals in police detention facilities. Tasks include reception, visitation, supervision, meal distribution, and ensuring that the detainees are treated correctly and in accordance with current legislation. The work is often carried out in close cooperation with police officers and other law enforcement agencies. The work environment can be both physically and psychologically demanding, as situations may arise where conflict management and quick response are crucial. Shift work, including nights and weekends, is common in the profession.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for an arrest guard has shown a clear positive trend. In 2022, the average salary was 29,300 SEK, which increased to 30 300 SEK in 2023. The most recent year, 2024, saw the average salary rise further to 33 300 SEK. The total increase corresponds to approximately 14% over three years, which is a notable improvement compared to many other professions. This development can be explained by increased demand for personnel in the correctional sector, as well as a greater focus on working conditions and skill development initiatives. Additionally, general wage growth within the public sector and increased qualification requirements have contributed to raising salary levels for arrest guards.

Arrest guard salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 33 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,400 SEK/month (men), 31,000 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 34,700 SEK/month (men), 33,200 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage (average): 200 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (33 700 SEK/month for men, 32 900 SEK/month for women)
• Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and qualifications

To work as an arrest guard, a high school diploma is usually required, often with a focus on social sciences or security, along with internal training at the Police Authority or the Prison and Probation Service. Further training and certifications in security, conflict management, and first aid are often advantageous. Practical experience from similar roles in security, healthcare, or social work is also valuable.

• High school diploma: Social sciences or security-oriented program
• Internal training: Basic training at the Police Authority or the Prison and Probation Service (usually 3–6 months)
• Certifications: Training in conflict management, fire safety, and first aid
• Practical experience: Experience from security or healthcare professions is advantageous
• Prerequisites: Unblemished record, approved security clearance, good physical and mental health

Common benefits and compensations

Typical benefits for arrest guards include overtime allowances for evening, night, and weekend work, wellness grants, opportunities for skill development, and sometimes extra compensation for particularly demanding conditions. Pensions and insurance are often part of the employment package, especially within the public sector.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for arrest guards is influenced by society’s need for correctional services and legal security. Although there are currently 191 job openings in the correctional officer profession, no precise forecast is made specifically for arrest guards due to limited statistics. Challenges in the profession include high workload, risky situations, and constant readiness. Psychological strain and shift work demand high resilience and the ability to handle difficult situations. Despite this, the profession attracts many because of the sense of contributing to a safer society.

Tips for those who want to become arrest guards

To succeed as an arrest guard, it is good to have a genuine interest in people and a strong sense of order and safety. Good communication skills facilitate contact with both detainees and colleagues, while high resilience helps handle unforeseen events. Being attentive and able to act quickly is crucial in stressful situations, and an empathetic approach helps create a respectful environment in the detention facility. To stand out in the selection process, it is recommended to seek internships, take relevant courses, and demonstrate previous experience working with people. Flexibility and teamwork skills are also valued by employers in the correctional sector.

Key facts about Arrest Guard

• Education level: High school diploma and internal training
• Work environment: Shift work in secured environments with high safety requirements
• Common employment form: Public sector, but private employment also occurs
• Demand: Approximately 191 job openings in related professions
• Special skills: Conflict management and handling of detainees

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as an arrest guard, opportunities open to further train as a correctional officer, supervisor, or other positions within the justice system. Further education as a security coordinator or training manager can also be relevant. The future outlook is difficult to assess as no specific forecast is made for the profession, but demand for personnel in correctional services and security is expected to remain, especially in larger cities and regions with higher judicial workload. The Swedish Public Employment Service's statistics show a stable number of available positions within the profession, providing good employment opportunities for those with the right qualifications and experience.

Frequently asked questions about Arrest Guard

• What does an Arrest Guard earn?
  - An arrest guard has an average salary of 33 300 SEK per month.
• How does the salary look for women and men?
  - Men earn an average of 33 700 SEK while women earn 32 900 SEK, which means women earn 98% of men's salary in the profession.
• What education is required to become an arrest guard?
  - A high school diploma and internal training at the Police Authority or the Prison and Probation Service are basic requirements.
• What does the work environment look like for arrest guards?
  - The work takes place in secured environments with shift work and demands both physical and mental endurance.
• Are there good job opportunities for arrest guards?
  - There are approximately 191 job openings in the correctional officer profession, indicating a stable demand.
• What are the lowest and highest salaries for arrest guards?
  - The lowest salary is 30,400 SEK and the highest is 34,700 SEK depending on education, experience, and employment type.