Prisoner Custody Officer Escorts

I’ve just completed my five week Initial Training Course (ITC) and the first three weeks so I’m waiting for my certification badge which is awarded to all Prisoner Custody Officers (PCOs) when they have achieved all recruitment, vetting and training standards.

I start my day by hitting the shuffle button on my iPod and riding the 20 or so miles to the base. The early shifts start at 6.15 or 6.45 in the morning but they’re not a problem – they go with the job. Finishing times do vary, which can make planning for social and domestic events a bit of a problem, so you do need to plan well ahead for things like doctors appointments. We have a diary at the base in which we can request finish times which works well so that’s OK.

The first thing I do is check the route and who I’m going to be working with. I like the variety of working with different colleagues, far better than staring over a desk at the same old faces every day. Daily vehicle checks are routine but essential. It’s a question of being prepared as my dad would say; “fail to prepare - prepare to fail”.

At base and in most of the courts everyone is friendly and chatty. As a ‘newbie’ everyone asks if I’m enjoying the job and if there’s anything they can do to help me settle in, which is good. Our routes are planned by the team at the Operational Control Centre (OCC). They make sure that we know where we’re going and how we’re going to get there. Efficiency and punctuality are essential in this job to avoid any delays.

We have a mentor for the first two weeks after training. This is when you work together and gain ‘hands on’ experience, whilst overseeing how it’s done. Whilst waiting for my badge I’m only dealing with the BlackBerry, paperwork and things like solicitors and door keys. It’s all good practice and time to become confident and fully familiar with the job.

Professional, calm and unflappable. This job goes from routine to moments of intense concentration, instant decisions and action in seconds so expect the unexpected at all times. We always have to be observant and aware as well as confident when talking to prisoners too. But the most important thing is to be non-judgmental and treat everyone as you would like to be treated yourself.