Prisoner Custody Officer

Serco Group Plc; Bristol; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public services provider in the UK is seeking a Professional Court Officer (PCO) to ensure the security and well-being of detainees during court proceedings. This role requires strong communication skills, vigilance, and a commitment to professionalism. Successful candidates will receive comprehensive training and benefit from stable working conditions, annual salary increments, and various health and wellbeing programs.

Benefits

Annual salary increments

Pension plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Health and wellbeing benefits

Discounts on leisure and hospitality services

Qualifications

• Current valid driver's licence preferred.
• Commitment to making a difference and managing challenging situations.
• Interest in criminology or psychology considered an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Escort defendants securely during court proceedings.
• Monitor and supervise detainees to prevent risks.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally.
• Ensure detainees have food and drink, monitoring their health.
• Conduct searches to secure the court environment.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Vigilance

Ability to handle challenging situations

Fitness for the role

Job description

Overview

As a PCO at our court, you'll work as part of a team to provide safe and secure escorting and custody services to detainees, focusing on maintaining their physical and mental wellbeing. During court proceedings, you'll be responsible for every aspect of detainee management until it's time for them to return to custody or be released.

Key Duties

• Escorting defendants to and from courtrooms, cells, and other areas within the court, including accompanying them to the toilet to ensure security and safety. May involve being handcuffed to the detainee.
• Monitoring and supervising detainees while they are in the docks during court sessions, ensuring they remain secure and do not pose a risk to themselves or others.
• Being privy to sensitive and confidential information discussed during court proceedings, maintaining discretion and confidentiality. Preparing to listen to harrowing and distressing testimonies and evidence while maintaining professionalism, supporting detainees, and managing your own emotional wellbeing.
• Ensuring that detainees have access to food and drink throughout the day, catering to any dietary requirements or restrictions.
• Monitoring the mental and physical health of detainees, providing support and reporting any concerns to the appropriate authorities.
• Ensuring the safety and security of the court environment, including responding to any incidents or emergencies that may arise. Conducting thorough searches of property and individuals to prevent contraband from entering secure areas.
• Completing necessary paperwork and data entry accurately, logging detainee movements, incidents, and any other relevant information.
• Working closely with other court staff, law enforcement, and legal professionals to ensure smooth and secure court operations.

What You Need to Do the Job!

Our current PCOs come to us with different work & life experiences; what matters is that you're committed to making a difference. We will train you in a 5 ½‑week course and through experienced colleagues. Ideally you’d have a current valid driver’s licence, be reasonably fit, and possess strong written and verbal communication skills to manage and control all situations. This role requires a high level of responsibility, vigilance, and the ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism and care. You will be an integral part of the judicial process, ensuring that justice is administered safely and securely. Our roles would suit those with a particular interest in criminology or psychology.

Assessment Process

• Briefing call to assess eligibility
• Competency‑based virtual interview
• Short role‑play and written exercise

Eligibility & Visa Information

All roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and all offers of employment are subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced DBS (Adult & Child Barring) and satisfactory employment references. All staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable young adults.

• Have at least two years remaining on your current visa
• Have lived in the UK for at least one year

About the Employer

At Serco, we are a global provider of public services across sectors including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We are innovators committed to redesigning and improving public services for the benefit of everyone. We support diversity and inclusion through Employee Networks such as SercoInspire, SercoEmbrace, SercoUnlimited and In@Serco.

Benefits & Remuneration

Permanent roles offering job stability & security. We also offer:

• Base Salary of £23,402 (35hrs pw).
• Annual salary increments (year 2 – £23,984, year 3 – £24,436, year 4 – £24,890).
• Pension (matched up to 6%), life insurance; 20 days annual leave (rising to 25 after 7 years' service) plus Bank Holidays.
• A range of benefits to support your health and wellbeing such as Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care, Dental Plans, etc.
• Access to a range of discounts and exclusive deals such as Merlin Attractions, Mobile Phone discounts, Cinema discounts, Leisure, Retail and Hospitality discounts.
• A supportive team & culture where you’ll get the chance to make a positive difference in a company passionate about diversity and inclusion.

Working Hours

We operate 24/6; you'll cover various early and late shifts, 35hrs pw. Flexibility is key, as due to the nature of the role there are a range of different working arrangements & additional hours. There will be days when your finishing time could be unpredictable, however, we operate on a rota basis (provided 12 weeks in advance) that allows you flexibility to enjoy meaningful time off.