Security Officers Day -  Samantha Dray and Victoria Percey

Meet Samantha Dray and Victoria Percey, two Intelligence Analysts in the Security Department at HMP Bronzefield – Europe's largest female prison.

They have both worked for Sodexo for 20 years and this Security Officers' Day, they share their story.

In this interview, Sam and Vicky share how their roles within the Security Department help protect the public while keeping prisoners, staff and visitors safe and secure every day. Working closely with a range of partner agencies and using specialist security techniques, intelligence and technology, they play a vital role in identifying, disrupting and preventing criminal activity, including tackling organised crime networks operating both inside and beyond the prison walls.

How did you become a security officer?

Sam and Vicky are Intelligence Analysts in the Security Department at HMP Bronzefield. They both have a prison operational background and have been working at the prison for 20 years. They started their careers as Prison Custody Officers but wanted a new challenge and to focus on protecting the public.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

There is a huge variety to the role and the opportunity to work with many different agencies and departments. Ultimately, they protect the public by keeping prisoners safe and secure whilst in custody and in preparation for when they are released from prison into the community. They are involved in prisoner monitoring, building profiles, and looking behind the scenes. They work with multiple agencies including the Police, Counterterrorism, the National Crime Agency, serious and organised crime units, counter corruption, safeguarding and parole boards.

They manage the court appearances of high-profile prisoners and play a vital role in maintaining public safety by coordinating security arrangements, including responding to protests outside the prison. They share intelligence internally and externally, updating information on prisoners and managing risk. They also manage evidence handling, from drugs and weapons to political documentation and threatening letters. They make sure all staff and any visitors are safe and secure, checking security and gathering intelligence.

How is technology changing the way you work?

The role is less paper-based now, and we are looking at the potential use of AI to sanitise reports to provide consistency. We have mobile phone detection technology, as mobile phones are not allowed in a prison. We have drug testing machines, but the team do miss the drug dogs!

Why are security officers vital to the way Sodexo works?

Our prisons understand our community protection responsibilities. We create safe, secure and decent prison environments where we are trusted to deliver the right outcomes for prisoners and staff. We show determination and care, and deliver our essential work with consistency and commitment, every day. We have a deep sense of duty to our justice system and act with fairness and without judgement. We create and manage effective prison environments where trust and respect are upheld.

Any memorable experiences you can tell us about helping others as a security officer?

Sam and Vicky are most proud of their work when they shut down criminal networks involving organised crime gang members. By building intelligence and working collaboratively with multiple agencies and partners, they keep the public safe and improve the quality of life for both other prisoners and staff.