About the Role
As a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS), you will play a key role in helping keep the justice system safe and secure. 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. You will be responsible for detainees throughout court proceedings until their return to custody or release.
Responsibilities
- Escorting detainees within the court, including to courtrooms, cells, and facilities
- Supervising detainees during hearings to maintain safety and security
- Managing sensitive situations and maintaining strict confidentiality
- Supporting detainee welfare, including access to food, drink, and wellbeing checks
- Monitoring behaviour and responding to incidents or risks
- Conducting searches to maintain a secure environment
- Completing accurate records and documentation
- Working 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 managing behaviour and de-escalating conflict
- Teamwork and the ability to follow processes accurately
- Professionalism, integrity, and respect for confidentiality
- Must have the right to work in the UK
- Visa must have at least two years remaining (if applicable)
- Must have at least one year’s UK residency (if applicable)
Skills
- Communication skills (written and verbal)
- Decision making under pressure
- Behaviour management
- Conflict de-escalation
- Teamwork
- Process adherence
- Professionalism
- Integrity
- Confidentiality
Location
- Wimbledon Magistrates Court, SW19 7JP
Work Type
- Full-time
- Part-time (full working days only)
Salary/Compensations
- £27,220 (35hrs pw), rising to £28,179 from 1st September 2026
- Year 2: £28,865
- Year 3: £29,508
- Year 4: £30,172
Benefits
- Holidays: 20 days (rising to 25 after 7 years’ service) plus bank holidays (pro rata’d)
- Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme (matched by Serco)
- Training and development: Structured induction (5½ weeks), ongoing learning, access to internal courses and qualifications, mentoring, and a strong focus on internal progression
- Health and wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), support from mental health charity MIND, Simply Health cash and dental plans, wellbeing resources, discount on membership at Serco-run gyms
- Discounts: Savings across major retailers and experiences, including Merlin attractions, cinema, leisure, retail, hospitality, mobile plans, and more
About the Company
- Serco are Disability Confident Leader employers and are committed to employing and retaining people with disabilities.
Equal Opportunity
- Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.
