Serco Plc
Prisoner Custody Officer
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Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS)
Location Luton Crown and Magistrates Courts, Luton – LU1 5BL
Join us to help keep the justice system safe and secure by playing a critical role as a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) in Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS).
About the Role
Key accountabilities of the PCO include:
- Safeguarding detainees throughout court proceedings.
- Ensuring detainee welfare from arrival to release or return to custody.
- Supporting smooth court operations with team-based custody and escort services.
As a PCO, you’ll work in unpredictable yet structured shifts (24/7 across a 12-week rota).
Financial package: ● Base pay: £27,220 (£28,179 from 1st September 2026) ● Progression:
- Year 2 – £28,865
- Year 3 – £29,508
- Year 4 – £30,172
Responsibilities
As a PCO, you’ll be responsible for:
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Escort duties:
- Moving detainees safely between courtrooms, cells, and facilities.
- Managing protocols on cell lifts and secure handover.
-
Detainee supervision:
- Monitoring behaviour and maintaining order during hearings.
- Mitigating risks while upholding dignity and welfare standards.
-
Security & record-keeping:
- Conducting secure searches to ensure court safety.
- Accurate logging of incidents and detainee interactions.
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- Collaboration:
- Working closely with court staff, partners, and colleagues.
Requirements
Successful candidates will:
- Hold a full UK driving licence (preferred but not mandatory).
- Meet fitness standards for expected physical demands.
- Demonstrate professionalism, discretion, and resilience under pressure.
- Proven conflict-de-escalation and breach-management skills.
- Passing grade on Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks.
- Right to work in the UK (with qualifying residency requirements—see details below).
Automatic exclusion
- The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 does not apply.
Visa policy update
- Nottinghamshire Constabulary does not sponsor Skilled Worker visas.
- Applicants must have:
- At least two years remaining on their visa
- One year of UK residency (to enable necessary checks)
Training: Comprehensive 5.5-week paid induction programme. *
What We Offer
Competitive Reward Package
- Annual leave: 20 days rising to 25 days after 7 years (+ bank holidays pro-rated).
- Flexibility: Part-time options in full shifts (35hrs), not reduced daily hours.
Career & Professional Growth
- National training pathways for long-term progression.
- Competitive pension match – up to 6% (Serco contributes equally).
- Career coaching and mentoring.
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Wellbeing Support
- Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and MIND network.
- Simply Health dental and cash plans.
- Discounted Serco gym memberships.
- LGBTQ+ support (In@Serco), gender equality (SercoInspire), safeguarding resources.
Lifestyle Benefits
- Merlin discounts (theatres, aquariums & more)
- Extensive savings on entertainment, travel and services ( Hampshire Leisure, cinema, mobile plans).
Our Recruitment Process
- Online application (with eligibility screening and assessments).
- Virtual assessment (competency interview, short role-play & written test).
- Job offer dependent on:
- Enhanced DBS disclosure
- Barr Form (right to work)
- Employment references
- Medical occupational health check
- Mandatory safeguarding training.
“Teamwork – a vital part of impact.” Let’s make a difference as part of Serco’s 50,000-strong public service team.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Serco is Disability Confident UK Leaders and Gold award holder for inclusive employer standards. Our Ban The Box policy fosters fair opportunities for all applicants.
TVH at luton.gov.uk/jobs, or email j&icareersUK@serco.com for support. Your application matters.
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