At a Glance
- Tasks: Escort and supervise detainees during court proceedings while ensuring their welfare.
- Company: Join a reputable organisation focused on safety and security in the justice system.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual progression, health support, and discounts on major retailers.
- Other info: Structured training and development with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference by ensuring safety and supporting individuals in challenging situations.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and ability to manage behaviour under pressure.
The predicted salary is between 27220 - 27220 £ per year.
Location: St Albans Crown and Magistrates Courts, AL1 3JU
As a PCO, 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.
Key Responsibilities- Escort detainees within the court, including to courtrooms, cells and facilities
- Supervise detainees during hearings to maintain safety and security
- Manage sensitive situations and maintain strict confidentiality
- Support detainee welfare, including access to food, drink and wellbeing checks
- Monitor behaviour and respond to incidents or risks
- Conduct security searches to maintain a secure environment
- Complete accurate records and documentation
- Work closely with court staff and partners to ensure smooth operations
- 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 in managing behaviour and de-escalating conflict
- Teamwork and the ability to follow processes accurately
- Professionalism, integrity, and respect for confidentiality
- Salary: £27,220 (35 hrs per week), rising to £28,179 from 1 September 2026
- Annual progression: Year 2 – £28,865; Year 3 – £29,508; Year 4 – £30,172
- Holidays: 20 days (rising to 25 after 7 years’ service) plus bank holidays (pro-rated)
- Pension: Up to 6% contributory scheme, matched by Serco
- Training and development: Structured 5½-week induction, ongoing learning, internal courses and qualifications, mentoring, and strong focus on internal progression
- Health and wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, support from mental-health charity MIND, Simply Health cash and dental plans, wellbeing resources, and a discount on membership at Serco-run gyms
- Discounts: Savings across major retailers and experiences, including Merlin attractions, cinema, leisure and retail
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK and will undergo:
- Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance, satisfactory references and occupational health checks
- Random alcohol and drug testing
- Exemption from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
- No eligibility for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office regulations
Prisoner Custody Officer in St Albans employer: Serco
Serco is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. As a Ward Host Assistant at University Hospital Southampton, you will enjoy flexible shift options and the chance to make a meaningful impact on patient care, all while being part of a team that values hospitality and customer service excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prisoner Custody Officer in St Albans
✨Join Security Community Events
Dive into local security conferences and workshops. These events are goldmines for networking with industry professionals, and they often host recruiters looking for candidates for full-time roles like Prisoner Custody Officer. Plus, you can showcase your passion and familiarity with the latest trends!
✨Connect with Industry Experts
Utilise platforms like LinkedIn to follow and connect with leaders in security services. Engage with their content; it shows your interest and can spark conversations that might lead to job opportunities at companies like Serco. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for insights or informational interviews!
✨Polish Your Online Presence
Make sure your online presence reflects your skills in security services – think certifications, relevant projects, or coursework. Share your expertise through blogs or posts discussing recent trends in security. This will make you stand out to employers searching for full-time Prisoner Custody Officer candidates.
✨Directly Apply to Serco
Don’t forget to apply for the Prisoner Custody Officer role directly through our website! It not only ensures that your application is seen by the right eyes but also demonstrates your enthusiasm for joining Serco.
We think you need these skills to ace Prisoner Custody Officer in St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Certifications:When applying for a full-time position in security services, make sure to showcase any relevant certifications you have, like SIA or other security industry qualifications. This adds credibility and shows that you're serious about your career in this field.
Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail:In security roles, attention to detail is crucial. Use your CV and cover letter to provide examples of how you’ve noticed and addressed security vulnerabilities or hazards in past jobs. This will help us see your proactive approach to ensuring safety.
Tailor Your Experience:Don’t just list duties from previous jobs; instead, frame your experiences in a way that relates directly to the role at Serco. Whether that's managing a team, conducting risk assessments, or successfully maintaining safety protocols, make this relevant to what we do.
Share Your Availability and Flexibility:Full-time roles often require a degree of flexibility. Make sure to clearly state your availability in your application, especially if you can work various shifts. This shows us your readiness to adapt to the needs of the role at Serco.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Know Your Security Protocols
In the security services field, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the latest security protocols and technologies. Brush up on things like surveillance systems, access control, and emergency response procedures. You'll likely face technical questions, so having a couple of solid scenarios or case studies ready can really impress your interviewers at Serco.
✨Demonstrate Situational Awareness
Prepare to showcase your situational awareness skills. You might be put in hypothetical scenarios where you need to assess potential risks or respond to incidents. Practising how you’d handle these situations ahead of time can give you the confidence to articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Emphasise Teamwork & Communication
Since security services often rely on effective teamwork and clear communication, be ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight any instances where you’ve had to relay critical information or work closely with other services – this is key for a role at Serco.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
You can expect a variety of behavioural interview questions focusing on your past experiences and how you've handled challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Sharing specific examples from previous security roles or related jobs will help demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and reliability to the team at Serco.
