Prisoner Escort and
Custody Services (PECS)

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Make a difference at Serco.

As a Prisoner Escort and Custody Officer, you’ll play a vital role in the justice system, ensuring the safe and secure movement of detainees between prisons, police stations, and courts. But this role goes beyond logistics – it’s about making a real, positive impact on the people in your care.

Our values

Our culture is based on a set of four values: Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride. These values are at the heart of everything we do, shaping the way we treat each other and the way we do business.
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104

courts

16

vehicle bases

24,000

detainees per month
A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.

What can you do in PECS?

Our culture is based on a set of four values: Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride. These values are at the heart of everything we do, shaping the way we treat each other and the way we do business.
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Prisoner Custody Officer

Based at one of our vehicle bases, you’ll travel to courts, police stations and prisons, ensuring adult prisoners get safely and efficiently from A to B.

Youth Escort Custody Officer

We also need officers specifically dedicated to escorting young people and children in custody – as with all our PECS jobs, patience and empathy will be key.

Dual Badge Officer

As a DBO, you’ll be responsible for escorting both adults and young people.

Driver

Our drivers hold C1 or D category licences, driving 10, 12 or 14-cell vans from prisoner holding sites to court and back.
A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.
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Could you do it?

Our officers come from diverse backgrounds but share key traits that are the foundation for success. You’ll be right for this role if you’re:
  • Committed to helping people
  • Friendly
  • Professional
  • Patient
  • Compassionate
  • Empathetic
  • Flexible
  • Resilient
  • Good under pressure
  • And have sufficient physical fitness to pass Control and Restraint training

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Moriam
Prison Escort and Custody Officer

“This job has given me the confidence to deal with so many different types of people. It’s very rewarding.” 
Learn more about Martyn's journey
A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.
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Why join us?

No two days are alike. You’ll work in interesting environments, interact with people from all walks of life, and ensure the safety of those in your care. And we’ll provide the tools and support you need to succeed and progress along the way.

Benefits include:
  • Competitive salary with holiday entitlement starting at 20 days, rising to 25 after seven years
  • 6% contributory pension scheme, life assurance, and access to health and wellbeing support
  • Discounts on leisure activities, shopping, dining, mobile phone plans, cinema, and more
  • Accredited training and development, including qualifications in first aid, mental health first aid, and Control and Restraint training

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Susan
Prisoner Escort and Custody Officer

“You get new, transferable skills. You're challenged. It opens up a lot of potential and career opportunities.” 
Learn more about Martyn's journey
A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our apprenticeships are open all year round and below you'll find information relating to some of our core programmes. We're always adding new disciplines, so please explore our open vacancies and subscribe to job alerts to stay up to date.

We believe in preparing you for every aspect of the role. Here’s what you can expect:
1.    Telephone Briefing Call: After applying, you’ll discuss the role with a Talent Acquisition Specialist to ensure it’s the right fit for you.
2.    Assessment Day: Meet our management team, complete interviews, tests, and group exercises, and start your security clearance process. If you're applying for a Driver role, you'll have a driving assessment too.
3.    Initial Training Course (ITC): Attend a 5.5-week programme to gain essential qualifications and shadow experienced officers.

As a minimum, you will have to be 18 to apply for a PECS Prisoner Custody Officer role. If you're not 18, we have other roles that could be a good fit for you instead!

Maths and English at a minimum key skills level 2 or equivalent

You will need to have a valid passport or birth certificate together with a valid permit or visa, if applicable, which shows your right to live and remain in the UK.

For the Assessment Day, please arrive in smart business wear. When you start the Initial Training Course, uniform will be provided.

The ITC is a 5.5-week intensive training course where 100% attendance is mandatory. If you have holiday booked which can’t be rearranged, we’ll invite you to the next available course.

Yes, you will be paid. When you start the ITC, this is the first day of your employment with Serco.

Court-based roles: 35 hours per week across five working days (we operate Monday–Saturday)

Vehicle base roles: 40 hours per week, with flexibility required for finishing times

You will receive a 12-week rota in advance, this may include rostered Saturdays and bank holidays, however we do not work Sundays or night shifts.

We offer part-time opportunities with a commitment of three full days per week, giving you the balance you need while making a meaningful impact. Speak with a the recruitment team to find out more.

Yes, if you’re required to work late, you will be paid for this overtime at your standard rate of pay.

At Serco, we’re a team of around 30,000 people across the UK - that means a wide range of roles and opportunities, and plenty of support to learn. Whether you want to progress to management or take a step into a logistics or support role, here you’ll find extensive opportunities to grow your career.
Got a question? Please email our recruitment team and we'll be in touch as soon as possible!
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Ready to make an impact?

If you’re seeking a career that challenges and fulfils you, with opportunities to grow and make a tangible difference, this is your chance.

Explore our current vacancies and take the first step towards a rewarding career with Serco.
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A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.