correctional officer

custodian

court manager

logistics associate

human resources advisor

GEOAmey

There are so many different issues with this job/company that I hope that I can get the key ones across so you don’t have to suffer the same way I, and the 12 other leavers whilst I was there did too. Not to mention the hundreds who’ve passed through over the years. You are worth more than this.

During Covid my job came to an end, and accordingly I was needing something to ensure ends meet. I saw the job advert for the PCO position, and decided I’d apply. Long story short, I got offered the job and without research took it.

When I saw the advert for a job at GeoAmey I was really looking forward to coming to work for a company where I believed I would make a difference. I was under the impression that there would be plenty of opportunity for promotion and additional training, as well as becoming part of a dynamic and close-knit team.

Instead I ended up working for a company where the staff are at eachother all day, the prisoners have more rights than you do, and if you want to do a good job you are isolated and abused by other members of staff.

Putting aside the foul treatment from staff, you’ll find yourself in a role where you are working long hours daily, with a mere 30 minute break which you won’t be able to enjoy as due to low staffing levels you’ll get pulled back to assist. If you have an LGV/PSV licence, the company will continuously tell you that tachograph rules don’t apply (when it suits them).

The turnover of staff is incredible, and in the time I was there 12 different members of staff left. Various reasons, most left due to the low pay and poor work/life balance. The others left as they were bullied out by members of the clique at the courts. There were others who didn’t finish the initial training course, presumably because they saw what they were letting themselves in for.

The majority of staff are arrogant and spend the whole day trying to show dominance and leadership. As well as no management skills, They have a complete lack of people skills and spend the day belittling those that just want to get on with the job. The majority of staff doing this job are here because their attitude problems wouldn’t fit in anywhere else. You are worth more than working with that.

There is no possibility of promotion despite what they tell you. The managers have their favourites and have already got someone lined up for positions when they arise. The company will conduct interviews to say they’ve done things fairly, but unless you’re in with the managers, don’t bother.

The pittance which the company pays, which GeoAmey claim to be “An attractive remuneration package” is ridiculous, especially when considering you are dealing with real life criminals. Staff assaults are common due to lack of staffing, and if you take time off to recover following an incident, then it’s all unpaid. The company will do anything not to pay you. You are worth more than that.  

Other points to consider;

1.       There’s an 8 week training course before you “go live”. It’s good fun, and the only people I’ve kept in touch with since leaving were from the course. The course gives a good insight to what’s involved in the job, so you if you’re in two minds that might just give you what you need to know. There is an exam at the end of the course, which the trainers will give you the answers to, but just don’t tell SPS!

2.       If you leave within the first 2 years, they will take £1000 out of your wages for the training course. So, when you find another job wait until payday, get paid, and just don’t bother going back. They do not chase you for the money if you just leave.

3.       Most of the criminals you deal with are actually alright to talk to. I preferred talking to the criminals throughout the day as they have interpersonal skills unlike the people that work there. I got to know the regular custodies, and it was always a pleasure seeing them in. A friendly face to talk to if you will. I’d rather spend my day talking to paedophiles, than the staff at the court.

In closing, I really don’t wish this upon anyone. My only advice is to avoid this company like the plague. This company really will take every bit of morale and positivity out of you, as well as ensure your family and social life is non-existent. You are worth more than that.

GEOamey is a dead end job that offers little in the way of progression or pay, the older staff who have been there 15+ years are complacent & don't make time for newer staff. In fact older staff have a lot to say about new staff behind their backs. Don't expect help from management unless it's to get you sacked so they get a pat on the back.
The vans are worse than the courts, you can easily work a 12+ hour day on the vans. From the outside the job sounds very interesting but it really isn't. Managers have their "favourites" & they usually get to sit in the office all day away from prisoners while the newer staff are treated like skivvies.
Older staff grab at the "cushy" jobs like cells or visits were they can sit down nearly all day & chat pony to each other. They allow prisoners to smoke & pass parcels to each other because it keeps them quiet & it's easier than fighting them.
Staff morale is low, the wage compared to other jobs is low considering what you have to do & the potential risks involved. Geo actively try to avoid paying expenses when they send you for training by making the claims process as difficult as possible. The sickness leave is generous but it comes at a price if you use it. Injury on Duty is scrutinsed & your made to feel like a liar or just milking it by not just managers but also colleagues.
Staff moan every day about the same things & it all becomes a bit repetitive. It's like Groundhog Day, even when it's a good day & your having a laugh it can feel a bit like it's all happened before. Some staff are nice, you can have a laugh with them & they make the day go that bit quicker, however I would draw a line between them being a friend or just a nice work colleague. Other staff members personal lives were regularly discussed & it became very much a game of Chinese Whispers by the time it got back to you. The men were FAR worse than the women for this as well.
The higher management such as regional level & upwards are never to be seen. They don't care about the lack of staff numbers it's just a get the job done attitude which is why staff complain about the late finishes they have on a regular basis. Because you don't get a finish time, only a start time you could think your in for a nice pay day with all the overtime you've acquired but you'd be mistaken. Geo will screw you for 2 or 3 weeks but that last week let you go early every day so they claw back the hours. You've just worked like **** for nothing unless your willing to do extra shifts on the Saturday. A basic pay day is about £1350 but I averaged £1450 a month, with overtime £1650 but for the hours I did it simply wasn't worth it. Vans get more money but they do a LOT more hours.
Staff turnover is high for all of the above reasons but also people use it as a stepping stone into other areas such as Probation, the police ect or they simply can't hack the job because you do get a lot of abuse off prisoners & staff can be very clicky, if they don't take to you you will get shunned. Once your on the outside don't expect to get in anytime soon.
I've seen staff from PCO's to SCO's be sacked for doing things that they've done a million times before with no issues. But for some reason a higher manager found fault & got them dismissed, even people with 20+ years of service to the job have been marched out the door. You are 100% just a number!
If your not a confrontational person & like long hours sitting down doing very little. Enjoy being verbally abused by everyone & happy to work whatever times because you have no life so you don't need money then this could very well be the job for you. Like I said at the beginning, the older staff, the ones with 15+ years in are lifer's. They will moan about the job, but they won't do anything about it & that's why their now stuck there. They can't be happy, because if they were they wouldn't moan so much but I guess they like the stability of it all. They're the ones who are friends with each other, they have the nights out & the group holidays together. But if you apply for this company there's a good chance your just passing through!

What is the best part of working at the company?
One of the most rewarding aspects of the role is the opportunity to serve as a primary point of contact and support for individuals in custody within your assigned cell block. Building consistent interactions allows you to positively influence those in your care, and in some cases, provide guidance that may help them make better decisions moving forward. Additionally, the position offers valuable insight into the court system, including its structure, processes, and day-to-day operations, which contributes to both professional growth and a deeper understanding of the justice system.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The most stressful part of the role is the combination of long hours and lack of work-life balance, with frequent mandatory overtime that can make it difficult to maintain family or personal time. Staffing shortages often increase pressure on staff, and support from higher management can feel limited, especially in high-risk situations.

Incidents such as Control and Restraint (C&R) can be particularly stressful, as officers are expected to act quickly for safety, but decisions may later be heavily scrutinised, even when following training. There are also concerns around pay not fully reflecting the demands of the job.

Additional challenges include inconsistent shift lengths, last-minute changes, and being required to travel to other locations with little notice. There are also concerns regarding the upkeep of prison transport vehicles, where general roadworthiness and cleanliness can at times fall below expected standards.

PPE availability and reporting systems could also be improved, particularly when dealing with exposure to illness in custody environments.

Overall, the role can be very demanding both physically and mentally.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Depends on where you work some locations work on dictatorships and some feel like family. It’s really a hit or miss (luck of the draw)

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
A typical day can vary depending on whether you are assigned to van duties or working within the court custody suite, but both are fast-paced and often unpredictable.

On van duties, the day usually starts around 6–7am with vehicle checks, ensuring the van is roadworthy and stocked (where supplies are available), followed by collecting a run sheet. However, planned routes frequently change throughout the day due to constant updates, meaning staff may be required to travel to multiple locations, sometimes unnecessarily. Duties include transporting prisoners between courts, police stations, and prisons, often across long distances.

There is significant time pressure, particularly when collecting from courts, where prisoners may be rushed onto vans with limited opportunity to properly check documentation or carry out thorough searches. Breaks are not always guaranteed, and shifts can extend well beyond expected hours—sometimes running from early morning into the early hours of the next day—before returning again for an early start.

When working as court custody staff, the day begins with pre-use checks of the cell block, assigning cells, and preparing for arrivals. Once prisoners arrive, staff are responsible for searching, booking them in, completing documentation, and ensuring their welfare. Throughout the day, duties include constant monitoring, escorting individuals to and from court, and processing outcomes such as bail, warrants, or release.

Delays in transport can result in prisoners being held for extended periods while waiting for collection, adding further pressure to staff managing the custody suite.

Overall, the role is highly demanding, requiring flexibility, strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage constant changes under time pressure.

Worst company I have ever experienced with even worse management and they are the biggest problem!!! They have their favourites and staff only they get the opportunity progress if your face fits and then you're in the 'FOTO' club. If you're a member of the 'Friends of the Office' then you get the easy runs, on time finishes that you ask for, any holidays you request and good days. If you're not, then get ready for overnight stays out, long runs, no breaks, working all late shifts and never getting anything you ask for. Bullying is a huge concern and countless - absolutely countless staff have left due to management do nothing about it! Mysteriously the anonymous 'whistleblowing' number has been taken down from all courts and bases so you can't report incident or wrong doings, and that's very convenient. Their answer to everything is 'put it in a report' and when you do, nothing is done apart from a useless Area Manager sending an email!! If they do anything at all it's one of their dramatic (but rehearsed and staged) 'investigations' they do nothing about it. Staff turn over is an absolute joke I've never known a company like it. Goals posts are moved after they promise you the world at the interview stage. Very catty, especially certain bases. My Husband saw the affect it was having on me and I left. People laugh at your jokes and then report you behind your back, you cannot trust any of your colleagues. You have no life what so ever so if you have kids, don't even think about applying. They promise you flexible working hours but they took mine away from me the following year. No work life balance. A pathetic staff survey every November which is supposed to be 'confidential' but with a code number on the bottom so they can trace which court or base it has come from. The Managers of courts and bases are then GIVEN the 'confidential' results back and relay it back to the people that have completed it anonymously!! Ridiculous! Management don't have your back when somebody externally complains about you or internally and turn it all around onto you. They then keep it on a 'file note' to use against you at a later date to strengthen an arguement or to use as ammunition when they're budget says they need to get rid of you due to you being on a higher rate of pay than others. Too busy worrying about their reputation (which is as bad as staff morale) than caring about their employees! Management lie through their teeth and will only do you a favour if it benefits or is in the interest of them! I even moved to a different base and management were the same there. This is without doubt the worst job I have had, they don't care about your safety when dealing with dangerous prisoners, as the poor pay reflects, and when there is a physical fight your left to your own devices and when you're too aggressive you're suddenly facing disciplinary. Absolute joke of a company ran by managers without a brain or backbone. The higher up you go, the worse the managers are!! Save yourself the aggravation. 8 months was enough for me, some don't even last 8 days! Pathetic!!!

Never worked for such a terrible company who constantly lies to their staff to get them to do what they want. 

Not only are the majority of the staff incompetent and really could hardly look after themselves let alone custody’s. 
Staff do not support each other, would rather talk badly behind each other’s backs and make up rumours about one another. The management are just as bad, with “confidential” conversations become common knowledge within the company as they enjoy a gossip about others personal life’s too. The Area manager is the biggest snake out there who would screw anyone over in order for his head not to be on the chopping block, yet another massive liar and snake.

The danger:pay ratio is definitely not worth the bother you can get yourself in, with management more likely to point the finger and play the blame game than support their staff. 

Control lie about jobs to try and manipulate you into working jobs that are dangerous and knowing fine well you shouldn’t be doing it. Again if anything goes wrong they are happy to play the blame game. 

No logic behind the way control works as they will happily send a crew from the east to do a job through the west when they have a west crew free and available. They sit in a small room and do not even communicate with those sitting right next to them. Couldn’t organise a sesh in a brewery! 

Finally wish bye bye to social life, some days starting around 5/6 and not getting home until 10 at night!!

Overall GeoAmey are the worst company who are a shambles, you’re just a number to them, they do not care about you as long as you do the job, not caring about the risk and altogether everyone here is full of lies! AVOID THIS ROLE LIKE THE PLAGUE!

A typical day is collecting prisoners and running them from police stations or prisons to courts and the same in reverse at the end of the day . You might stay and work at court . Some days can be quite interesting but there can also be quite a bit of hanging around . 

The initial training course is very good and there are a few good colleagues but that is where the positives end really . 

It used to be a good job but times have changed .

Always short staffed , most staff are tired and stressed . Everything seems to be run on the bare bones . HR don’t address absence management issues ,or recruitment ,  on the face of it they don’t address very much and don’t reply to emails oh and neither do managers .  So if you’ve got a problem just get on with it . If you have to ask twice then you’re deemed as a troublemaker . 

The biggest problem with this outfit is most of the homegrown management aren’t competent to carry out management roles. This has become obvious but nobody seems to manage or monitor their ability & performance , they are just allowed to run amok ruining what was quite a good business .

There is good job security but staff retention is poor . The company provides generous holiday pay and also sick pay but some colleagues abuse it the max leaving the decent staff frustrated . There’s the standard employee benefits like cycle to work scheme and discounts  but no monetary bonuses for operational staff . 

Poor employee welfare , no development , no discipline . Some useless staff who are left to their own devices .The pay doesn’t reflect the stress the role brings . Overtime paid at flat rate but there’s plenty to be had . 






Working for GEOamey is a good job to work in if your at a retiring age and already have stability. The job itself is a risky and dangerous job yet you are paid pennies for what you do. You can be injured at work carrying out your duties and you are not compensated for this only ring fenced if you have time off work for injuries .  People have worked there many years and have seen no real difference within the job in regards to the pay. You can be working there with 20 years of experience and knowledge yet you would get paid the same as a new starter with no experience. People who have been there years should be paid accordingly each year for their service and experience as they have greater knowledge and experience .It is embarrassing to say that the job title is a prisoner custody officer yet we get paid the same as a McDonald’s worker . That in itself says it all! The hours get taken back off you whatever overtime you do as you can be sent home earlier the next day to reduce the hours to your contracted hours or near to . They are employing people that are young. A young person would be happy with the salary at 18. But for an older adult with outgoings/mortgage/bills/children you can not survive that alone on the pay that is received .   As a prisoner custody officer you deal with the same people  to what the police deal with and the prison service on a daily basis . Taking abuse , dealing with weapons , illnesses , mental health, being assaulted along side many more things yet you see half their salary . Not worth it

Shifts start between 05:45 and 13:00 with no finish time, so if you have any out of work commitments, you are not guaranteed to meet them. Leaving you unable to make any personal or family plans during your working week. You are also required to work 1 in 4 Saturdays.
There is no fitness test needed to pass the initial training course. To pass the control and restraint module, you only need to achieve a basic straight arm lock and a wrist lock. In my opinion there are lots of employees who are not fit for the job, or prisoner shy, leaving you in a very dangerous position.
You also have zero back up from the management. They operate a bully culture with no organizational skills, who only look after themselves or their favourites.
Most crew members often work through their entire shift without a break, due to time restraints and not wanting to add another half hour onto their day before going home.  
Any overtime worked is paid at your basic hourly rate. If you build up a large number of overtime throughout the month, you will most likely be stood down to have it taken away.
Also during this covid19 epidemic, social distancing has been non existent with a complete lack of support and direction from the Managers.
...If you don't have a family or a life outside work, if you like being bullied with no support from your managers and getting paid peanuts. Or if you're happy putting your career before your own safety and well being... Then this might be for you!!
I can honestly say this has been the worst company I have ever worked for.

This job isn’t for snowflakes! You can’t have banter (plenty of posters hung up telling you so) you can’t have fun without someone reporting you. If you’re young and don’t have morals or care about the job then this is for you. You won’t have a home life and you do at least 50 hours a week at flat rate - overtime is the same as your hourly rate! 

If you take pride in your job this isn’t for you!  If you’re an office gossip and want  turn up late for work and not take pride in the uniform then this is perfect for you. If you want to be part of a clique gang who out others and like rumours then it’s perfect! It’s not the prisoners that are the issue it’s the staff who like to cause issues and the management have no thought about privacy and like to tell colleagues private conversations that have taken place.

The hours are long you will always get a start time (that too can change day to day) but you will never get a finish time. You can ask for an on time finish but rarely happens as short staffed! 

The sickness policy is crazy. You get a verbal warning for first illness (you don’t get paid for the first 3 days) second illness is a written warning. They hardly sack anyone as they can’t get the staff.

The only good thing about this place is you can earn a wage as there’s many hours to be had but you can earn more scanning a can of tuna in Aldi better than risking getting spat at, s**t at or thumped by a prisoner!  

If you're looking at joining Geoamey, perhaps even as a stepping stone to then go off and work for the Police - all I can say is, DON'T.

You get a start time, but you don't have a finish time. Your start time will change to whenever suits the company, and on almost a daily basis. You will have a ZERO work-life balance.

Control of operations have zero experience dealing with prisoners or custodies, and will frequently put you into dangerous situations, under-staffed and ill-equipped. Failure to comply will result in frequently being put on the worst possible routes - with forced overtime. So that baby shower you were hoping to make at 1900 after starting at 0530? Not happening. 

Credit where credit is due, the only upside to this job would be the staff. As you're all in the same boat, it's easy to get along with other staff members, and given the context you all work in - everyone has a sense of humor.

However, don't expect much from the staff on the management side. Bullies and company guys. They'd rather you were in danger than not meet deadlines or refuse a task.

80% of the job is sitting around in a court doing nothing, or in a van waiting outside a court, jail, or police station. The other 20% is trying to teach someone on the other end of the phone the job they should already have experience in.

If I could beg you I would, stay away from this mess of a company. Consider the prison service or the police.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Correctional officer 134 salaries reported	£13.22 per hour
Custodian 11 salaries reported	£12.90 per hour
Court manager 1 salary reported	£32,788 per year
Logistics associate 5 salaries reported	£30,607 per year
Human resources advisor 2 salaries reported	£33,500 per year

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