Day in the Life of a  Prisoner Custody Officer

"Every shift starts before the first court hearings begin. We meet with the rest of the team for a briefing where we go through operational updates, expected arrivals, any intelligence we've received and anything else that might affect the day ahead. 

After the briefing, we collect our equipment, including our keys, body worn camera, handcuffs and radios, before handing in our personal phones. Depending on the day, I might be allocated to the custody cells, the courtrooms or legal visits. 

Before anyone arrives, we carry out security checks across the custody suite to make sure the cells, consultation rooms and courtrooms are safe, secure and ready for use. 

Preparing properly at the start of the day means we can focus on looking after the people in our care once the court becomes busy." 

"As people arrive from prisons or police stations, we receive a handover from the escorting officers before bringing them safely into court custody. 

We check everyone's immediate welfare needs before allocating them to the appropriate custody cell based on any risks, vulnerabilities or operational requirements. 

Throughout the day we're escorting people between custody suites, consultation rooms and courtrooms while carrying out regular welfare observations and making sure the custody environment remains safe and secure. 

Every movement is carefully planned, monitored and recorded." 

"Court custody is all about teamwork. 

Every day we're working alongside Court Custody Managers, Prison Officers, HM Courts & Tribunals Service staff, Police Officers, solicitors, barristers and healthcare professionals. 

Good communication helps the whole court operate safely and efficiently." 

"Although I'm based inside the court, every day is different. 

One minute I might be escorting someone to a courtroom, the next supervising legal consultations or carrying out welfare observations in the custody suite. 

Court hearings don't always run to schedule, so you need to stay flexible and adapt as priorities change. 

That's one of the things I enjoy most about the role." 

"It's a demanding role and you need to stay calm under pressure. 

You'll sometimes deal with challenging behaviour, emotional distress, medical emergencies or incidents of self-harm. 

The training prepares you for these situations and you're always supported by experienced colleagues." 

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

Every day you're trusted with significant responsibility and you know you're making a real difference to the safe operation of the courts. 

It's challenging, but incredibly rewarding."