At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safe transport and custody of detainees while providing support and monitoring their welfare.
- Company: Join a reputable organisation committed to justice and community safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, pension scheme, and health support.
- Other info: Full training provided, with opportunities for ongoing development and internal progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the justice system while enjoying job security and career progression.
- Qualifications: Reliable, compassionate, and able to handle pressure with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 27220 - 39604 £ per year.
Location: Greenford Vehicle Base, UB6 9AP
Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) – your role is vital for keeping the justice system safe and secure. In addition to job security and stability you’ll receive:
- Initial Training Salary: £27,220 (35hrs pw)
- Graduated Base Salary: £31,108 (40 hrs pw), rising to £32,204 from 1st September 2026, with clear annual progression (Year 2: £32,998; Year 3: £33,723; Year 4: £34,482).
- When combined with base salary and average overtime (8hrs pw), this gives a potential first‑year income of between £37,804 and £39,604!
We operate 24/6 across early and late shifts, so flexibility is essential. Finishing times can be unpredictable, and you may need to work beyond your contracted hours to meet operational demands. Shifts are set on a rota provided 12 weeks in advance, giving you visibility to plan ahead. Part‑time working may be considered, but this must be across full working days, as reduced daily hours are not available.
Responsibilities
As a PCO, you’ll work as part of a crew delivering safe and secure transport and custody services. You’ll escort detainees between prisons, police stations, and courts, ensuring their welfare throughout. Depending on operational needs, you may remain at court, taking responsibility for detainees until their return to custody or release. Duties include escorting within courts and cells, searching, supporting welfare, and completing essential paperwork.
- Attend briefings and receive detainee, route and risk details.
- Carry out vehicle and equipment checks.
- Collect, search, and transport detainees safely.
- Monitor welfare during transport, including checks and comfort stops.
- Deliver detainees to courts or between establishments.
- Complete end‑of‑shift checks, reporting, and documentation.
- Work flexibly, including extended hours and responding to incidents.
Requirements
Our PCOs come from a range of backgrounds—what matters most is that you are reliable, trustworthy, compassionate, committed to safeguarding, and treat people with dignity and respect. In return you’ll receive full training through a 5½‑week paid program, plus ongoing support from experienced colleagues.
- 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.
What We Offer
- 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.
Prisoner Custody Officer - Greenford Vehicle Base in London employer: Serco
At Serco, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values integrity and respect. As a Prisoner Custody Officer at our Greenford Vehicle Base, you'll benefit from competitive salaries with clear progression paths, comprehensive training, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing, including access to mental health support and discounts on various services. Join us in making a meaningful impact within the justice system while enjoying a fulfilling career with ample growth opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prisoner Custody Officer - Greenford Vehicle Base in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Serco and their values, especially around safety and respect. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a PCO, you'll need to be clear and calm under pressure. Try mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable talking about your experiences and how they relate to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your teamwork abilities! Think of examples from your past where you've worked well in a team, especially in challenging situations. This will highlight your reliability and commitment to working with others.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're proactive and serious about landing the job as a Prisoner Custody Officer.
We think you need these skills to ace Prisoner Custody Officer - Greenford Vehicle Base in London
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 keeping the justice system safe and secure!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key for this role, use your written application to demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly and effectively. We love seeing candidates who can articulate their thoughts well!
Highlight Your Reliability and Integrity:We’re looking for trustworthy individuals, so don’t forget to mention any experiences that showcase your reliability and commitment to treating people with dignity and respect. This will help us see you as a great fit for the team!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and keep track of your application. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Prisoner Custody Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key duties like escorting detainees and ensuring their welfare. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Strong communication is crucial for this position. During the interview, be prepared to demonstrate how you can effectively communicate both verbally and in writing. You might want to share examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed conflict or de-escalated a situation.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
As a PCO, you'll be part of a crew, so it's important to highlight your teamwork skills. Think of instances where you've worked collaboratively with others, especially in high-pressure situations. This will show that you can follow processes accurately while supporting your colleagues.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to stay calm under pressure and make decisions. Practice responding to hypothetical situations related to managing detainees or handling unexpected incidents. This will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills during the interview.
