Overview
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 on operational requirements, you may be required to remain at court to care for 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, including details on prisoners, pick-up and 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 if 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.
* Work beyond contracted hours due to job demands, sometimes exceeding 50 hours a week. Stay with prisoners admitted to hospitals and handle emergency transfers during incidents like prison riots.
Working Arrangements
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, as the nature of the role involves a wide range of different working arrangements and additional hours. There will be days when finishing time is unpredictable, and you may need to work beyond your scheduled hours to meet the demands of the job. We operate on a rota basis, provided 12 weeks in advance, allowing you to plan ahead to enjoy meaningful time off.
Eligibility and Training
* Current driver\'s licence, B1 or C1 Licence (valid CPC card desirable).
* Interest in criminology or psychology is helpful.
* Ability to understand and respond to the emotional needs of detainees.
* Capability to handle stressful and emotionally demanding situations with a calm and composed demeanour.
* Ability to think on your feet and make quick, effective decisions in challenging situations.
* Strong ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the safety and well-being of detainees.
* Meticulous in following protocols, conducting searches, and completing paperwork accurately.
* Adequate physical fitness to perform duties that may involve restraining detainees and handling long hours.
* Skilled in de-escalating conflicts and managing challenging behaviour effectively.
* High ethical standards and a commitment to confidentiality and professionalism.
* Sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and needs of detainees, ensuring respectful and fair treatment.
Assessment and Compliance
Our assessment process: Briefing call to assess eligibility -> Competency-based virtual interview -> short role-play and written exercise. 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 meet minimum eligibility criteria, including: having at least two years remaining on current visa and having lived in the UK for at least one year (vetting requires a counter-signatory from a recognised professional who has known you for that duration).
Benefits and Location
Exeter, Devon — £26,745 for 40 hours per week. Permanent role with training and progression opportunities. Training salary is £23,402 (35 hours per week). Other benefits include annual salary increments, driving allowance (for B1/C1 license holders), pension (matched up to 6%), life insurance, 20 days annual leave (rising to 25 after 7 years) plus bank holidays, and discounts with various partners. We support diversity and inclusion through Serco Employee Networks.
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