Prisoner Custody Officer - Croydon Vehicle Base

Serco Group Plc; London; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned service provider based in London seeks a PCO to ensure safe and secure court transportation services. This role requires a driving license and offers a salary starting at £29,744 with potential earnings up to £37,144. Candidates should be committed to the well-being of detainees and demonstrate excellent teamwork skills. The position involves various shifts and the necessity to handle emotionally demanding situations.

Benefits

Annual salary increases

Driving allowance

Pension matching up to 6%

20 days annual leave, rising to 25

Employee wellness programs

Discounts on various services

Qualifications

• Ability to understand and respond to the emotional needs of detainees.
• Ability to handle stressful situations calmly.
• Ability to think on your feet.
• Strong teamwork skills.
• Meticulous in following protocols.
• Adequate physical fitness.
• Skilled in de-escalating conflicts.
• High ethical standards.
• Sensitivity to diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Collect adult male and female detainees for transportation.
• Monitor prisoners' welfare during transport.
• Conduct cell checks and provide comfort stops.
• Ensure accurate completion of paperwork.
• Transport prisoners to courts and handle transfers.

Skills

Emotional understanding

Stress management

Decision-making

Teamwork

Protocol adherence

Physical fitness

Conflict de-escalation

Ethical standards

Sensitivity to diversity

Education

Current driver’s licence

B1 or C1 Licence

Job description

Overview

We are operational 24/6, and you'll be expected to cover various early and late shifts, with a minimum of 40 hours per week. Flexibility is essential due to a wide range of working arrangements and additional hours. The rota is provided 12 weeks in advance to help you plan ahead. There will be days when finishing times are unpredictable, and you may need to work beyond scheduled hours.

All roles operate on a rota basis and offer meaningful time off to suit individual needs.

About the Role

As a PCO at our base, you’ll work as part of a crew to provide safe and secure court transportation and custody services. You’ll collect adult male and female detainees between prisons, police stations and courts, always ensuring their well-being. Depending upon operational requirements, you may be required to remain at court and be responsible for the care of the detainee until they return to custody or are released. Duties include accompanying defendants in courtrooms and cells, searching property and people, ensuring food and drink are available, and completing paperwork and data entry.

Responsibilities

• Start the day early, attend briefings to receive assignments with details on prisoners, pick-up/drop-off locations, and specific risks.
• Check handheld devices for schedules and prisoner information; complete vehicle checks.
• Collect prisoners from various locations, verify paperwork and property, search prisoners, and load them onto the vehicle.
• Monitor prisoners' welfare during transport, conduct cell checks, and provide water as needed. Arrange comfort stops for long journeys.
• Transport prisoners to courts and handle inter-prison transfers for reasons such as bed space management or educational needs.
• Return to the vehicle base, perform end-of-use checks, report defects, and hand in documentation.

What you need to do the job

Our current PCOs come to us with diverse work and life experiences. What you’ve done before doesn’t matter; what matters is your commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. You will learn during our 5 1/2-week training course and through our experienced colleagues. You’ll need to hold a current driver’s licence, B1 or C1 Licence (valid CPC card desirable). This role may suit those with an interest in criminology or psychology.

• Ability to understand and respond to the emotional needs of detainees.
• Ability to handle stressful and emotionally demanding situations calmly.
• Ability to think on your feet and make quick, effective decisions.
• Strong teamwork skills to ensure the safety and well-being of detainees.
• Meticulous in following protocols, conducting searches, and completing paperwork accurately.
• Adequate physical fitness for duties that may involve restraining detainees and long hours.
• Skilled in de-escalating conflicts and managing challenging behaviour.
• High ethical standards with commitment to confidentiality and professionalism.
• Sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and needs of detainees.

Assessment Process

Briefing call to assess eligibility, followed by a competency-based virtual interview, then a short role-play and a written exercise.

Additional Information

• All roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and offers are subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced DBS (Adult & Child Barring) and satisfactory employment references.
• This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules.
• Applicants must have at least two years remaining on their current visa and have lived in the UK for at least one year, due to vetting requirements.
• For general right-to-work guidance, please visit the UK Home Office website.

Employer and Benefits

Serco Limited – Permanent roles offering job stability and security. Salary details include:

• Salary of £29,744 (40 hours per week). Training salary is £26,026 (35 hours per week).
• Annual salary increments: Year 2 £30,467; Year 3 £31,154; Year 4 £31,865.
• Driving allowance for Category B1/C1 License holders: B1 £600/year; C1 £2,400/year. (C1 drivers may drive 6 cell vehicles; subject to terms).
• Potential first-year total earnings between £35,334 and £37,144 (depending on license type and overtime, based on current average 8 hours overtime/week).
• Pension (matched up to 6%), life insurance, 20 days annual leave (rising to 25 after 7 years) plus Bank Holidays.
• Discounts on Merlin Attractions, mobile phones, cinema, leisure, retail, and hospitality.
• Health and wellbeing support: Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care, and Dental Plans.