About us
Prisoner Escort and Custody Services
Prisoner Escort and Custody Services (PECS) is a Unit within NOMS’ Corporate Services Directorate
PECS is responsible for the management of the contracts for:
• The escort of prisoners to and from courts in England and Wales
• The production of prisoners at court using video links technology
Escort contracts
There are four regional contracts covering London and the South East; South Wales and the West; the East; and the North. Contractors are responsible for:
• Collecting prisoners from prisons and police stations and getting them to court on time
• Managing them while at the court in the custody areas where prisoners are held before and after their appearance
• Managing them during their appearance in the dock of the courtroom
• Escorting to prison those who are given custodial sentences or remanded into custody
These are important contracts. Contractors manage a million prisoners every year. It is complex work that involves courts, prisons and police as well as other areas of the criminal justice system such as the Youth Justice Board. PECS therefore has a wide role, brokering solutions to problems to contribute to the efficient running of courts. PECS ensures that targets are met on:
• getting prisoners to court on time
• protecting the public through ensuring contractors keep prisoners secure
PECS monitors the contracts to ensure that prisoners are treated decently and with respect.
Video Links Contract
PECS also manages the contract that enables prisoners to appear in court via a video link.
Prisons and courts are connected using a secure video links network. Prisoners due to appear in court for interim hearings, sentencing and appeals can do so via a video link in the prison. Video links have several advantages. They:
• Protect the public as prisoners do not leave the confines of the prison and therefore there is less risk of escape
• Avoid the cost of escorting the prisoner to and from the court
• Ensure the prisoner is available when required by the court
• Are less disruptive to the prison regime.
• Benefit the prisoner who does not have to undertake a long and uncomfortable journey to and from court
Video links are also used for other purposed such as probation visits, legal visits, and inter-prison visits enabling prisoners to remain in touch with friends and relatives in other prisons.
