Prisoner Custody Officer – Sittingbourne Vehicle Base

Prisoner Escort Custody Driver (PCO) | Serco | Sittingbourne

Intro

Are you looking for a career that offers more than just a paycheck? Working as a Prisoner Escort Custody Driver at our Sittingbourne base is a vital role within the UK justice system. This is a position for the resilient, the empathetic, and the professional. You will join a dedicated team responsible for the safe, secure, and humane transportation of detainees. If you have a commitment to public safety and the emotional intelligence to manage challenging situations with composure, we offer a stable, long-term career with a clear path for salary growth and exceptional benefits.

Key Responsibilities

• Secure Transport: Conduct the safe collection and transfer of adult detainees between prisons, police stations, and courts, ensuring all paperwork and property are verified.

• Detainee Welfare: Monitor the physical and mental well-being of prisoners during transit, performing regular cell checks and providing essential care.

• Court Custody: Remain at court when required, supervising defendants in courtrooms and cells, and conducting thorough searches of people and property.

• Safety Protocols: Perform meticulous vehicle checks and use handheld devices to manage schedules, risks, and prisoner information.

• Conflict De-escalation: Manage challenging behavior effectively using communication skills and, where necessary, physical restraint techniques (following full training).

• Flexible Operations: Adapt to unpredictable finish times and extended hours to meet the demands of the justice system, including emergency transfers or hospital watches.

What We Can Offer You

• Competitive Earnings: Starting salary of £26,745 (40hrs pw), with annual increments rising to £28,446 by Year 4.

• Driving Allowances: Additional annual earnings for license holders (£600 for B1 / £2,400 for C1).

• Overtime Potential: Total first-year income can range between £32,345 and £34,145 (based on current average overtime).

• Stability & Benefits: 20 days annual leave (rising to 25), matched pension up to 6%, life insurance, and healthcare/dental plans.

• Lifestyle Perks: Significant discounts on retail, cinema, mobile phones, and Merlin Attractions.

• Comprehensive Training: A 5.5-week fully paid training course to prepare you for every aspect of the role.

About the Role

This is a 24/6 operation requiring absolute flexibility. Your rota is provided 12 weeks in advance, but the nature of the work means your “end of shift” can be unpredictable. You are the face of the justice system for those in your care; you will start your day with early briefings on prisoner risks and end it by ensuring every detainee has reached their destination safely and humanely.

We value diverse life experiences over specific past job titles. Whether you have a background in security, care, or are simply interested in criminology and psychology, we provide the tools to succeed. You must hold a valid UK driving license (B1 or C1) and be prepared to undergo Enhanced Level 2 Ministry of Justice checks.