Prisoner Custody Officer

Serco; St Albans; On-site; GBP 27,220 - 28,179; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension: Up to 6% contributory scheme

Structured induction and internal/prof

Wellbeing resources and mental health/

Job summary

Serco is recruiting a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) for Prisoner Escort Custody Services at St Albans. You will work in a small team delivering safe and secure escorting and custody services, ensuring detainee welfare during court proceedings.

Key duties include escorting detainees, supervising hearings, handling sensitive situations, and maintaining strict confidentiality. The role requires strong communication, teamwork and the ability to respond calmly under pressure.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to stay calm and make decisions under pressure.
• Teamwork and following processes accurately.

Responsibilities

• Escort detainees within the court, including to courtrooms, cells and facilities.
• Supervise detainees during hearings to maintain safety and security.
• Manage sensitive situations and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Support detainee welfare, including access to food, drink and wellbeing checks.
• Monitor behaviour and respond to incidents or risks.
• Conduct security searches to maintain a secure environment.
• Complete accurate records and documentation.
• Work closely with court staff and partners to ensure smooth operations.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Calm under pressure

Decision making

Job description

Location: St Albans Crown and Magistrates Courts, AL1 3JU

Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) – Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS)

As a PCO, you will work as part of a team to deliver safe and secure escorting and custody services, ensuring detainee welfare at all times during court proceedings.

Key Responsibilities

• Escort detainees within the court, including to courtrooms, cells and facilities
• Supervise detainees during hearings to maintain safety and security
• Manage sensitive situations and maintain strict confidentiality
• Support detainee welfare, including access to food, drink and wellbeing checks
• Monitor behaviour and respond to incidents or risks
• Conduct security searches to maintain a secure environment
• Complete accurate records and documentation
• Work closely with court staff and partners to ensure smooth operations

Requirements

• Full UK driving licence (B/B1) – desirable
• Reasonable fitness for the physical demands of the role
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to stay calm and make decisions under pressure
• Confidence in managing behaviour and de‑escalating conflict
• Teamwork and the ability to follow processes accurately
• Professionalism, integrity, and respect for confidentiality

Salary & Benefits

• Salary: £27,220 (35 hrs per week), rising to £28,179 from 1 September 2026
• Annual progression: Year 2 – £28,865; Year 3 – £29,508; Year 4 – £30,172
• Holidays: 20 days (rising to 25 after 7 years’ service) plus bank holidays (pro‑rated)
• Pension: Up to 6% contributory scheme, matched by Serco
• Training and development: Structured 5½‑week induction, ongoing learning, internal courses and qualifications, mentoring, and strong focus on internal progression
• Health and wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, support from mental‑health charity MIND, Simply Health cash and dental plans, wellbeing resources, and a discount on membership at Serco‑run gyms
• Discounts: Savings across major retailers and experiences, including Merlin attractions, cinema, leisure and retail

Eligibility & Appointments

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK and will undergo:

• Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance, satisfactory references and occupational health checks
• Random alcohol and drug testing
• Exemption from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
• No eligibility for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office regulations