I work in a prison - AMA

[VictoriaBun]

Just that really. I am not a uniformed officer but work in a Bcat jail and work with prisoners.

Yes they can have play stations . They have to rent a tv .

There are prisoners that might choose to have a relationship with another prisoner . They would have to share a cell to have the opportunity I would imagine. I've known of 2 men who were already married who came into prison and were allowed to share a cell but it would have had bunk beds the same as other cells.
I've worked in prison for 9 years and as far as I'm aware we have not had any sexual assault or rape claims.

B Cat prisons also have serial murders/ rapists in .
To be honest the men that are in for life are probably the ones who are the better behaved , just get on with it attitude, keep their heads down etc.

Do you or have you had disabled or deaf prisoners? If so what provision do you provide for them?

Do you have any informants in your prison?

I am not surprised that you haven't heard of any sexual assault taking place.

I think it is very small minded to think being a criminal means you are automatically likely to rape / sexually assault someone.

Being a criminal and being a sex offender are two separate things and I think it is awful to tarn everyone with the same brush. There is a reason sex offenders are kept separately to others.

What measures are in place to stop guards taking drugs or other forbidden items into prisons to give to inmates and why are these not more effective?

Yes prison is a community so you get a mix of what you would get in say a small village. We have had wheelchair users , blind men, people with learning difficulties. We have a medical centre so people who need it might be housed in there, but someone in a wheelchair who chooses to be in the main prison would be put in a ground floor cell , and assisted when appropriate or is asked by him.

Actually sex offenders are kept separate for their own safety.

Are affairs rife within the service, like in the police force?

Steps that are taken to stop prison staff bringing in drugs are the threat of a prison sentence themselves.
I am not allowed to take a mobile phone into work. Obviously not any sharp instruments including nail scissors. My bag could be searched on entering/ leaving the prison. I am sometimes searched physically ( pockets emptied, outside clothes patted down) by a female prison officer.

I do feel safe. My friends have asked me this. I say I know that certain people are around me . I have a panic button near me, a radio to call for assistance and even a whistle to blow ! I feel safer than walking down a street at night or going into a car park .

Yes quite a few officers will be seeing fellow officers or other staff. And sad to say prisoners as well .

Don't have a question but the idea that homeless people see going to prison as their best hope of being warm and fed in the winter is just dreadfully sad.

I'm off now. Will answer any further questions tomorrow. Nighty night .