Prisoner Custody Officer - Norwich Law courts (Vans)
Permanent roles offering job stability & security. Role: Working as a Prisoner Escort Custody Driver (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) is a role within the justice system focused on safety and security during transport and custody services.
We offer the following benefits and information as part of the role:
* Salary of £26,745 (40 hrs pw). Training salary is £23,402 (35 hrs pw).
* Annual salary increments: Year 2 - £27,411; Year 3 - £27,927; Year 4 - £28,446.
* Additional driving allowance for Category B1/C1 License holders: B1 = £600 per year; C1 = £2,400 per year. (C1 License holders must drive 6 cell vehicles – subject to further terms).
* A potential first-year income between £32,345 & £34,145 (depending on license type and overtime based on current average of 8 hrs overtime pw).
* 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.
* A supportive team and culture passionate about diversity and inclusion.
We operate 24/6, with shifts that include early and late times. You’ll be expected to cover a minimum of 40 hours per week and may work beyond contracted hours to meet job demands. The rota is provided 12 weeks in advance to help you plan ahead, balancing long or unpredictable hours with meaningful time off.
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 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.
Key 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.
What you need to do the job / Required skills
* Hold a current driver's licence, B1 or C1 Licence (valid CPC card desirable).
* Ability to understand and respond to the emotional needs of detainees.
* Ability 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 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.
Assessment process
Briefing call to assess eligibility → Competency-based Virtual Interview → short role-play and 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. Candidates with valid right-to-work in the UK through other routes may apply. Minimum eligibility includes: two years remaining on your current visa and at least one year of residence in the UK for vetting purposes.
For general right-to-work guidance, please visit the UK Home Office website.
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About Serco: Serco delivers essential public services and values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to a diverse, inclusive organisation and offer reasonable adjustments at interview and throughout employment. We encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool and support flexible working where possible. Disability Confident Leader and Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder.
Apply: Please click the apply button. If you need help, contact j&icareersUK@serco.com. We may close the role early if a large volume of applications is received.
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