Prisoner Custody Officer

Serco; Bristol; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading security services provider in England is seeking dedicated Prisoner Custody Officers in Bristol to ensure safety during court sessions. You will escort defendants, monitor detainees, and handle sensitive situations with discretion. Ideal candidates should possess excellent communication skills and professionalism. This role offers a competitive salary, pension, and various benefits, including health support programs and discounts. Flexibility in shifts is required as part of the operational nature.

Benefits

Pension (matched up to 6%)

Life insurance

Annual leave increasing after 7 years

Employee Assistance Programme

Health benefits and discounts

Qualifications

• Commitment to making a difference.
• Interest in criminology or psychology is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Escort defendants within court premises.
• Monitor detainees during court sessions.
• Handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Provide access to food and drink based on dietary needs.
• Monitor health and report concerns.
• Ensure safety and respond to incidents.
• Conduct searches and complete paperwork.
• Collaborate with court staff and law enforcement.

Skills

Good communication skills

Responsibility

Vigilance

Professionalism

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Location: Bristol Crown or Bristol Magistrates Court

Permanent roles offering job stability & security

Working as a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) is more than just a role—it’s an opportunity to be part of a professional team that plays a vital role in the justice system, ensuring safety and security every day. We also offer:

• Base Salary of £, (hrs pw).
• Recognition for your contributions and growth, with annual salary increments (year 2 - £, / year 3 - £, / year 4 - £,).
• Pension (matched up to 6%), life insurance; days annual leave (rising after 7 years’ service) plus Bank Holidays.
• A range of benefits supporting your health and wellbeing such as Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care, Dental Plans, and more.
• Access to discounts and deals including Merlin Attractions, Mobile Phone discounts, Cinema discounts, Leisure, Retail, and Hospitality discounts.
• A supportive team and culture committed to diversity and inclusion.

We operate 6 days a week, covering various early and late shifts (hrs pw). Flexibility is key due to the role's nature, with different working arrangements and additional hours. Some days may have unpredictable finishing times, but a rota system (provided weeks in advance) allows for meaningful time off.

About the Role:

As a PCO at our court, you’ll work in a team to provide safe escorting and custody services, focusing on detainee wellbeing. Responsibilities include:

• Escorting defendants within court premises, including to and from courtrooms and cells, sometimes handcuffed.
• Monitoring detainees during court sessions to ensure security.
• Handling sensitive information with discretion, maintaining professionalism, and supporting detainees emotionally.
• Providing access to food and drink, catering to dietary needs.
• Monitoring health, reporting concerns.
• Ensuring safety, responding to incidents, conducting searches.
• Completing paperwork and data entry accurately.
• Collaborating with court staff, law enforcement, and legal professionals.

What you need to do the job!

We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds. The key qualities are commitment to making a difference, good communication skills, responsibility, vigilance, and professionalism. Training will be provided, and an interest in criminology or psychology is a plus.

Our Assessment Process:

Briefing call -> Virtual competency interview -> Role-play and written exercise.

Additional Information:

Roles are subject to enhanced checks and references. They are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This role does not qualify for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK rules. Applicants must:

• Have at least two years remaining on their current visa.
• Have resided in the UK for at least one year, verified by a recognized professional.

For more right-to-work guidance, visit the official UK government website.