A Day in the Life of a
Dual Badge Officer

"Every shift begins at the depot with the rest of the crew. We work in teams of three – one driver and two escort officers – and everyone has an important role to play. 

The day starts with a briefing covering operational updates, safety information and anything else we need to know before heading out. We collect our issued equipment, including keys, restraints and communication devices, before carrying out vehicle safety and security checks. 

We also review the day's movements and discuss the individuals we'll be transporting, including any medical needs, vulnerabilities or risks that could affect the journey. 

Preparation is a huge part of the job because every day is different." 

"One of the things I enjoy most is the variety. 

Depending on the day, we might be escorting adults between prisons, police stations and courts, or transporting children and young people between secure establishments. 

Some journeys are short, while others take us right across England. Whatever the journey, our priority is always the same – keeping everyone safe, secure and treating every individual with dignity and respect. 

Once we're travelling, the driver focuses on the road while the escorting officers carry out welfare observations, communicate with the people in our care and respond to anything unexpected." 

"One of the biggest parts of the role is adapting to the person you're supporting.

Adults and young people all have different backgrounds, needs and circumstances. Some people may have medical conditions, mental health needs or vulnerabilities that require us to adjust how we communicate while maintaining professional boundaries. 

Whether we're working with adults or children, everyone deserves to be treated fairly, respectfully and without judgement." 

"You never work alone. 

Every day we're working alongside our driver, fellow escort officers, Prison Officers, Police Officers, court staff, healthcare professionals and colleagues across the criminal justice system. 

Communication and teamwork are essential because everyone has a shared responsibility for keeping people safe." 

"One day I could be travelling across England escorting adults between prisons and courts. The next I might be supporting a young person attending court or travelling to a secure establishment. 

Sometimes we're based at court for much of the day, while other shifts involve multiple journeys between different locations. 

The variety is one of the best parts of the job because you're always learning and every day presents something new." 

"Plans can change quickly because of traffic, court delays or operational requirements, so you need to stay calm and think on your feet. 

There are also times when you'll deal with challenging behaviour, emotional distress or medical emergencies. 

The training gives you the confidence to manage these situations, and you're always supported by experienced colleagues." 

"For me, the most rewarding part is knowing I've helped someone safely through an important stage of the criminal justice system. 

I enjoy the responsibility that comes with the role and the variety of supporting both adults and young people. 

No two shifts are ever the same, and that's what keeps the job interesting."