Prisoner Custody Officer

Location: Basingstoke Magistrates Court
Salary: £22,502 per annum

Working as a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS) is more than just a job; it’s the chance to be a part of something great, to join a work family where you are valued, and you can make a difference every day. In addition to a rewarding career, we also offer:

1. Base Salary of £22,502 (35hrs pw) with annual increments.
2. Pension (matched up to 6%), life insurance.
3. 20 days annual leave (rising to 25 after 7 years’ service) plus Bank Holidays.
4. A range of benefits to support the health and wellbeing of you and your family.
5. Access to a range of discounts and exclusive deals.
6. A supportive team & culture.

We are operational 24/6 and you’ll cover various early and late shifts, 35hrs pw. Flexibility is key as due to the nature of the role, there are various working arrangements & additional hours. There will be days when your finishing time could be unpredictable; however, we operate a rota basis (provided 12 weeks in advance) that allows you the flexibility to enjoy meaningful time off.

We are open to considering part-time positions for day shifts only. However, please note that full-time attendance would be required during the initial training period of 5 1/2 weeks.

About the Role:
As a PCO at our court, you’ll work as part of a team to provide safe and secure escorting and custody services to detainees, focusing on maintaining their physical and mental wellbeing. Key duties include:

1. Escorting defendants to and from courtrooms, cells, and other areas within the court.
2. Monitoring and supervising detainees during court sessions.
3. Maintaining discretion and confidentiality regarding sensitive information.
4. Ensuring detainees have access to food and drink.
5. Monitoring the mental and physical health of detainees.
6. Ensuring the safety and security of the court environment.
7. Conducting thorough searches of property and individuals.
8. Completing necessary paperwork and data entry accurately.
9. Working closely with other court staff and legal professionals.

What you need to do the job!
Our current PCOs come to us with different work & life experiences. What matters is that you’re committed to making a difference in the lives of others – the rest you will learn during your training course and through our experienced colleagues.

Ideally, you’ll have a current valid driver's license, be reasonably fit, and have good written and verbal communication skills. This role requires a high level of responsibility, vigilance, and the ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism and care.

Our Assessment Process:
Online Assessment (sent via email upon application) -> 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 all offers of employment are subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced DBS (Adult & Child Barring) and satisfactory employment references.

Apply
Please click on the apply button to complete your application. Occasionally we receive a large volume of applications for our roles, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment.