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- Tasks: Escort court defendants, ensuring their safety and security during proceedings.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Woodgreen Crown Court.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, life insurance, and 20+ days annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in the justice system while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Valid driver’s licence, strong communication skills, and a sense of responsibility.
The predicted salary is between 26026 - 26026 £ per year.
Role Overview
Woodgreen Crown Court, N22 5LF
Permanent Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS)
Base Salary: £26,026 (35hrs per week). Annual increments: £26,658 (yr 2), £27,260 (yr 3), £27,882 (yr 4).
Additional benefits include:
- pension (matched up to 6%)
- life insurance
- 20 days annual leave (rising to 25 after 7 years)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- health and dental plans
- exclusive discounts
- a supportive, inclusive team culture
Key Duties:
- Escort court defendants to and from courtrooms, cells, and other court areas, maintaining security and safety.
- Monitor and supervise detainees during court sessions, ensuring they remain secure and risk‑free.
- Maintain discretion and confidentiality when handling sensitive information discussed during court proceedings.
- Support detainees emotionally when faced with distressing testimonies, while managing personal wellbeing.
- Ensure detainees receive food and drink throughout the day, catering to dietary requirements.
- Monitor the mental and physical health of detainees, reporting concerns to authorities.
- Respond to incidents or emergencies that arise, conducting thorough searches to prevent contraband.
- Accurately complete paperwork and data entry, logging detainee movements and incidents.
- Collaborate closely with court staff, law enforcement, and legal professionals to secure smooth court operations.
What We’re Looking For:
- Valid driver’s licence
- reasonable fitness
- strong written and verbal communication skills
- High level of responsibility, vigilance, and professionalism in challenging situations.
- Interest in criminology or psychology is an advantage.
Assessment Process:
- Briefing call
- Competency‑based virtual interview
- Role‑play and written exercise.
Additional Information:
All roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Employment requires Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced DBS (Adult).
Prisoner Custody Officer in Hampshire employer: Serco
Contact Detail:
Serco Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prisoner Custody Officer in Hampshire
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Research what a Prisoner Custody Officer does and understand the key duties. This will help you speak confidently about how your skills match the job during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the competency-based virtual interview by thinking of examples from your past experiences that showcase your communication skills, responsibility, and ability to handle challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of role-play! If you can, find a friend or family member to help you practice the role-play exercise. It’ll make you feel more comfortable and ready to tackle any scenario they throw at you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so make sure you submit it directly on our platform. It shows you're serious about the role and helps us keep track of your application easily.
We think you need these skills to ace Prisoner Custody Officer in Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Prisoner Custody Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to maintaining security and supporting detainees effectively.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong written and verbal communication is key for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to convey information clearly and professionally. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate this.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you've got any experience in criminology, psychology, or similar fields, make sure to mention it! We’re looking for candidates who understand the complexities of working with detainees and can handle challenging situations with care.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our supportive team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Prisoner Custody Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key duties listed in the job description, such as escorting detainees and maintaining security. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since strong written and verbal communication skills are crucial for this position, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've effectively communicated in challenging situations. Think about times when you had to support someone emotionally or handle sensitive information discreetly.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
As part of the assessment process, you'll likely face role-play exercises. Practice responding to potential scenarios you might encounter as a PCO, such as managing a distressed detainee or dealing with an emergency situation. This will help you feel more at ease during the actual interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Professionalism
In this line of work, professionalism is key. Be sure to dress appropriately for the interview and maintain a calm, composed demeanour throughout. Show that you can handle pressure and remain vigilant, as these traits are essential for a successful PCO.