I work in a mens prison AMA

[CrispAura]

Send me a question, and I will try to answer as honestly as possible

Do the inmates respect you?

@ohyesido Yes they do. I have never had any bother from them. However, as the population inside becomes younger, the behaviour from these prisoners is worse and more confrontational. Its as if they cant ask you for anything in a reasonable manner - just shouting or demanding.

Do you think prison works? If it was your decision alone would you bring back the death penalty?

How corrupt do you think our prison system is?

Also just a request, it's far easier to follow these threads if you quote the question you're replying to rather than @ the poster :)

Why did you decide to work there? What other careers were you considering?

Are you expected to break up fights despite the prisoners being male and physically stronger ?

How do you deal with sexual harassment and unwanted physical contact?

What type of men’s prison, youth, high security etc..?

Have you ever found yourself getting too emotionally invested in any of the prisoners?

Not in an inappropriate way, more in a sympathy/empathy with things they’ve experienced way.

Do you feel that any of the inmates have a chance of improving their lives after release as a result of prison? Ie do any of the more rehabilitation focused activities help?

Have you ever felt attracted to an inmate? (if it’s men you’re attracted to)

@CrispAura what does a typical day in your role look like?

Are new prisoners eased in? X

Mm, prison works for a few. A lot of men that have a drug habit will be in and out their whole life because they commit crime to fund their habit.
And no I wouldn't have the death penalty, I would rather they sweat in prison for a good long difficult time. Death is the easy way out, so no, I prefer taking their liberty away.

It is corrupt when you have Officers who shouldn't be employed. Women that come in and expect to find a 'boyfriend' or a 'bad boy' to tame. Then it becomes corrupt.

Well, I thought it would be interesting and varied, which it is and I love it. I also like helping people, but it can be hard when you cannot provide clean clothing etc and get prisoners out for social more because of lack of staff.

God no! I press the emergency button and we all dive in when enough staff are present

Is there a lot of sexual violence between inmates? Are there initiations for new inmates? Are prisons as violent places as they are portrayed in films / tv series?

if you could do one thing to make prisons more drug-free, what would it be?

Do you think we should be able to lock people up and put them through cold-turkey?

I don't get sexually harassed, they know better than to do that. (I'm over 50 tho) But, some of them get a bit attached because the know I'm fair with them, but they don't overstep the line, and I know I wouldn't over step th line either. If I felt unsafe, the prisoner would be moved to another wing.

Cat B Male

No. I've hardened up over the years not to believe all the stories I'm told. A couple I have really felt sorry for, a couple where they should not have got a sentence (in my opinion) . Some have had horrendous childhoods, sexual abuse was rife, broken homes etc. I didn't blame their drug use, they took drugs to escape some awful awful things. So yes I suppose I did feel sorry for them. Ive met some bloody horrible vile people too, and prison is definitely the right place for them.

I have only thought a handful would be rehabilitated.
There isnt much rehab to be had TBH

No, because I have a husband. But I love chatting to the men and getting to know them, but I woud NEVER cross that line, it wouldnt be worth it.

New prisoners are on the reception wing for 2 weeks. But its noisy and full on from the word go. Absolutely no respite. Its 100% straight away. Pretty grim really.

Does it get really hot in the summer? How do the prison staff keep the men calm?