A day in the life of a Prisoner Escort Officer (PEO) startswhenever and wherever a route is scheduled to go out. When we arrive at the base, we are briefed by the SeniorEscort Officer (SEO) and get our instructions for the day. We then collect our paperwork, ensuring that it is correct and identifies vital information such as the prisons that we’redue to visit along with our arrival and departure times.

The next task is to carry out vehicle checks, making sure thatthe vehicle is roadworthy, conducting cell searches and makingsure that we have everything needed for the journey. Ourroutes are planned by the team at the Operational ControlCentre (OCC). They make sure that we know where we’regoing and how we’re going to get there. Efficiency andpunctuality are essential in this job to avoid any delays.

Upon arrival at the first prison, either myself or my colleaguewill book in at the gate house. The prison staff will thenundertake their required checks which may involve searchingour vehicle before allowing us entry to their establishment.Once inside the prison, we then go to prisoner receptionwhere we check all paperwork and confirm that the prisoneris fit for transfer. We also check the prisoner’s property,ensuring that it is placed in the appropriate property bag andthat all serial numbers are correct. It is then placed in thepurpose-built property cupboard inside the vehicle.

Although each prisoner will have already been fully searchedby prison staff, we also carry out a further search and thenescort them to the vehicle one by one, where they aresecured in individual cells.

Our route for the day may require us to visit between twoand five different prisons depending on the schedule. Once we have transferred all the prisoners, we return to the basewhere we ensure that the vehicle is clean, refuelled and fullyoperational for the next day, before handing in our paperworkto the SEO and confirming our return with the OCC.

Professional, calm and unflappable. This job goes from routineto moments of intense concentration, instant decisions andaction in seconds so expect the unexpected at all times. Wealways have to be observant and aware as well as confidentwhen talking to prisoners too. But the most important thing isto be non-judgmental and treat everyone as you would like tobe treated yourself.

“We always have to be observant and

aware as well as confident when talking

to the prisoners.”

Dave WrightPrisoner Escort Officer

A day in the life of a

PrisonerEscortOfficer(Inter Prison Transfers)

No two days are the same for a Prisoner

Escort Officer (PEO). You’ll come into contact

with people from all walks of life on a daily

basis as well as liaising with G4S colleagues at

the base along with a wide variety of other

people including prison officers, security

personnel and prisoners.

Are you the person we’re looking for?

Being a PEO isn’t always plain sailing. It requires determination,motivation, initiative, adaptability and flexibility. You’ll be dealingwith a wide variety of people as well as following processesand procedures in line with training and regulations, so theability to follow instructions is essential.

We need people from a broad range of backgrounds with life experience who are good at listening to others, vigilant, non-judgmental and able to remain calm and in control underpressure. As part of our team of PEOs you’ll face manychallenges so you’ll need to be able to think on your feet anduse your initiative.

What will I be doing?

Driving secure vehicles to and from prisons and other custodial establishmentsMaintaining security and taking appropriate action to prevent escapesSearching prisoners and accompanying them in handcuffsDealing with vulnerable and difficult prisoners in a calm and professional manner to reduce risks to safety and securityPreparing documentation and ensuring that all paperwork isaccurate and currentLiaising with the Operational Control Centre, other G4S colleagues and prison service staffEnsuring the cleanliness and basic maintenance of the vehicle including checking oil, water, tyres and fuel

Prisoner Escort Officer | About the job

Frequently asked questions

What are the working hours?Hours are based on a variable shift pattern which coversMonday to Friday and also Saturdays.

What time will I start work?Any time between 6.00am and 10.00am, depending on theroute and number of prisoners to be transferred. You will benotified of your start time the day before, so flexibility is vital.

Will I be working with the same people all the time?PEOs at bases work as part of a team. You will also workclosely with other G4S colleagues and external agencies suchas prison officers, security personnel and members of theemergency services.

Do I need previous experience in this type of work?No. We welcome people from all backgrounds with life experience. Your positive attitude, motivation and non-judgmental disciplined approach are essential to succeed.

What training will I receive?In order to become a PEO, you’ll attend our comprehensiveHome Office approved Initial Training Course (ITC) whichcovers skills such as communication, security, first aid andcontrol and restraint. The ITC is followed by shadow trainingwhere you will be paired with an experienced PEO in order togain practical experience in all aspects of the job.

What vehicle will I have to drive?Prisoner movements are undertaken in specially designedcellular vehicles which can accommodate up to 12 prisonersdepending on the vehicle used.

What are the benefits of working for G4S?We invest heavily in our people and offer benefits that youwould expect from a large quality organisation includinggenerous holiday entitlement, life assurance, company pension,sick pay scheme, comprehensive training, career developmentand a uniform.