Prisoner Custody Officer

Serco Group Plc; City Of London; On-site; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

An essential service provider in the UK is seeking a PCO to ensure safe and secure escorting and custody services to detainees in court. The role focuses on monitoring wellbeing, managing detainee movements, and maintaining confidentiality during sensitive proceedings. Candidates should have communication skills and the ability to handle challenging situations professionally. This position offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits.

Benefits

Base Salary of £26,026

Annual salary increments

Pension and life insurance

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts and exclusive deals

Qualifications

• Committed to making a difference in the lives of others.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Current valid driver's license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Escort defendants to and from courtrooms and secure areas.
• Monitor detainees during court sessions.
• Ensure safety and confidentiality in court proceedings.
• Assist with detainee management and wellbeing.

Skills

Communication skills

Fitness

Responsibility

Vigilance

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 is time for them to return to custody or be released.

Responsibilities

• Escorting defendants to and from courtrooms, cells, and other areas within the court, including accompanying them to the toilet to ensure security and safety. This 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, including testimonies, legal arguments, etc. Maintaining discretion and confidentiality is paramount.
• Being prepared to listen to harrowing and distressing testimonies and evidence. It is crucial to maintain professionalism and provide support to detainees while 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, including 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.

Qualifications

What you need to do the job! Our current PCOs come to us with different work & life experiences; what you've done before doesn't matter, what matters is that you're committed to making a difference to the lives of others – the rest you will learn during our 5 ½‑week training course and through our experienced colleagues. Ideally, you'll have a current valid driver's license, be reasonably fit, and have good written and verbal communication skills that allow you 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.

Assessment Process

1. Briefing call to assess eligibility.
2. Competency‑based virtual interview.
3. Short role‑play and written exercise.

Additional 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. The post holder must undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

Visa Information

• Have at least two years remaining on your current visa.
• Have lived in the UK for at least one year, as the vetting process requires a counter‑signatory from a recognised professional who has known you for that duration.

Company Information

At Serco, we deliver essential public services across defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We are a team of 50,000 people committed to redesigning and improving public services for the benefit of everyone.

Benefits

• Base Salary of £26,026 (35hrs pw).
• Annual salary increments: year 2 – £26,658, year 3 – £27,260, year 4 – £27,882.
• Pension (matched up to 6%) and life insurance.
• 20 days annual leave (rising to 25 after 7 years’ service) plus bank holidays.
• Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care and dental plans.
• Discounts and exclusive deals: Merlin Attractions, mobile phone discounts, cinema, leisure, retail and hospitality.
• Supportive network through SercoInspire, SercoEmbrace, SercoUnlimited and In@Serco.

Working Hours and Flexibility

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