Prisoner Custody Officer
About this role
Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO)
Location: High Wycombe Magistrates Court, HP11 1LR
Job ID: 303147
Employment Type: Full-Time, Regular (Permanent)
Schedule: 35 hours per week, operating 24/6 across early and late shifts. Rota provided 12 weeks in advance.
Salary: £25,555 per annum, with structured annual progression (Year 2: £26,191; Year 3: £26,684; Year 4: £27,180) + excellent benefits.
About Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency
At Supportive Bridge, we connect dedicated security, justice, and support professionals with vital public service careers across the UK. Partnering with leading national justice and custodial service providers, we specialize in placing candidates into stable, rewarding roles where your vigilance, integrity, and compassion help keep the justice system safe, secure, and running smoothly.
Role Overview
As a Prisoner Custody Officer (PCO) within Prisoner Escort Custody Services (PECS), you will play a frontline role in keeping the justice system secure. Based at High Wycombe Magistrates Court, you will work as part of a tight-knit team to deliver safe escorting and custody services while ensuring the welfare and dignity of detainees throughout court proceedings.
Key Responsibilities:
Secure Escorting: Safely escort detainees within the court environment, including to courtrooms, holding cells, and specialized facilities.
Court Supervision: Supervise detainees during hearings to maintain absolute safety, security, and order.
Welfare & Care: Support detainee welfare by managing access to food, hydration, and conducting regular wellbeing checks.
Incident Management: Monitor behaviour closely, respond swiftly to risks or incidents, and manage sensitive situations with professionalism.
Security & Compliance: Conduct thorough searches to maintain a secure environment and complete accurate records, documentation, and handover logs.
Multi-Agency Collaboration: Work closely with court staff, legal teams, and operational partners to ensure smooth, efficient daily operations.
What We Are Looking For
Our successful PCOs come from a diverse array of backgrounds—including security, retail, customer service, care, and logistics. What matters most is your commitment to responsibility, calm decision-making, and ethical standards.
Requirements:
Driving Licence: Full UK driving licence (B/B1) is desirable.
Physical & Mental Resilience: Reasonable fitness for the physical demands of custodial work, alongside the ability to stay calm and make sound decisions under pressure.
Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills with the confidence to de-escalate conflict.
Integrity & Professionalism: High standards of honesty, respect for confidentiality, and absolute reliability.
Vetting & Right to Work: Must have the right to work in the UK (with at least two years remaining on any applicable visa and one year of UK residency). Subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks, Enhanced DBS clearance, and medical/drug screenings.
What We Offer You
Financial Package: Starting base salary of £25,555 with clear, guaranteed annual pay increases up to £27,180 by Year 4.
Comprehensive Training: A fully paid, intensive 5.5-week initial training academy, backed by ongoing mentorship and continuous professional development.
Leave & Pension: 20 days’ holiday (rising to 25 days after 7 years of service) plus bank holidays, alongside up to a 6% contributory pension scheme.
Health & Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), dedicated support from mental health partner MIND, Simplyhealth cash and dental plans, and discounts on gym memberships.
Retail & Lifestyle Discounts: Exclusive savings across major retailers, leisure experiences, cinema tickets, and Merlin attractions.
Our Recruitment Process & Equal Opportunities
Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities and veterans who meet the minimum job criteria are guaranteed an interview.
Ban the Box: We support fair access to employment for individuals with unspent convictions (subject to security and safeguarding exemptions). Reasonable adjustments are fully supported throughout the hiring journey.