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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To want to work in a prison

30 replies

Bettyooops · 13/08/2018 22:10

Just that really!
I really want to do my ideal job now that I’m coming out of being a SAHM and would love to work as a prison officer.
Any advice on how do go about this as I have no relevant experience?

And also is 31 too old to be starting again and changing career? I’ve had a few job rejections lately and think I need to start again and do something I actually WANT to do. But feel a bit old and past it to actually want a new career.

OP posts:
OllyBJolly · 13/08/2018 22:12

Don't think it's too old but I know a few prison officers and without exception they are desperate to leave the service. Underfunded, high expectations, lack of support - it's a challenging job.

I did recruit for the Prison Service in the dim and distant past. Bit miffed to find I wouldn't even be considered because I had two traffic convictions.

Anonnymouse54321 · 13/08/2018 22:13

I always said this was my ideal job. I've since changed my mind after watching many prison documentaries.

There is an Ask Me Anything thread from a prison nurse. Interesting insight into prison.

I don't think you need any particular qualifications. I remember watching a documentary about the training to be a PO. Was intense and over a few months I think. I don't think you are too old. Over 30 years until you can retire so plenty of time for a career.

whyhaveidonethis · 13/08/2018 22:14

It is a fantastic job in my opinion. I'm not a prison officer but I work with offenders and whilst challenging it can be extremely rewarding. My advice would be to investigate the prison you are applying to work in. A category a prison is a very different entity to a category c. And a female prison is very different to a male one.

Research well and apply. 31 is absolutely fine to consider a new career

longwayoff · 13/08/2018 22:16

I would try something voluntary first. Prisons smell abysmal and are extremely oppressive environments for staff.

RedDwarves · 13/08/2018 22:18

What makes you think it's your "ideal job"? I have known people who have done this and none of them are filled with enthusiasm about it. Don't underestimate it.

FruitCider · 13/08/2018 22:18

There is an Ask Me Anything thread from a prison nurse. Interesting insight into prison

That's me 😊 I wouldn't fancy being a prison officer though!!!! x

Ginorchoc · 13/08/2018 22:25

There has been a recruitment drive for prison officers recently. What makes you interested? (I’m not going one)

Ginorchoc · 13/08/2018 22:25

*not one. Ruddy phone

Original poster
Bettyooops · 13/08/2018 22:27

It’s always been something what interests me and as cliche as it sounds I think I would be good at it. That being said I think volunteering is a good idea. Are you able to volunteer in prisons? How would I go about this?

OP posts:
Smellbellina · 13/08/2018 22:28

If you’re happy to have shit used as a weapon against you go for it!
What exactly is it about the job that appeals to you?

FruitCider · 13/08/2018 22:32

If you’re happy to have shit used as a weapon against you go for it!

That's hardly unique to prisons though is it? At least in prisons we have shields to put over the hatch...

FASH84 · 13/08/2018 22:32

The environment is really really hard and it's not a rehabilitation focussed role. If you want to work with people with convictions have you considered the probation service? You're age definitely isn't a barrier a lot of people come to the service after other experience.

Anonnymouse54321 · 13/08/2018 22:32

"That's me 😊 I wouldn't fancy being a prison officer though!!!! x"

Fascinating thread FruitCider!

There was a good documentary series on recently on Durham prison, I think it was. 1 episode focussed on drugs and the other on mental health. Very eye opening.

Pissedoffneigh · 13/08/2018 22:37

I have a neighbour who was a prison officer. She stopped because she was dragged down some stairs and had to leave due to a back injury.

She has no particular qualifications as far as I know and now works in Sainsbury's.

Helpmemyhairisterrible · 13/08/2018 22:37

I did a few days landscape contracting in prison grounds. Interesting place. On one hand, it must be fascinating to learn how the people ended up there and to see some positive progress with the people you're working with. On the other, the tape threats and general intimidation was enough to let me know I wouldn't want to go back.

I know of someone who went to be a horticultural specialist in prison staff and her job and her career prospects sounded absolutely fantastic. She went to a women's prison.

UterusUterusGhali · 13/08/2018 22:42

I know a couple of people who work in prisons.
One left the NHS to do so as the conditions and shifts were better.
The other seems happy enough and has regular training which he seems to enjoy. Both intelligent, cool people who I respect enormously. Neither had formal qualifications.

Try it, if you want to! Good luck!

MissionItsPossible · 13/08/2018 22:47

I know someone who works in a prison and likes it. They are only months into the job though... there has already been one nationally reported incident so far about the place they work.

SpiritedLondon · 13/08/2018 22:48

My friend is a prison officer - a senior one ( governor level). I’m not sure that she would recommend it given all sorts of changes to the service ( and staff shortages etc). Saying that I don’t think your lack of experience would be an issue if you were still keen. I started a new career at 30 so I would let that put you off.

Nicknacky · 13/08/2018 22:50

Have you checked if your local prison is recruiting and what the entry requirements are?

If you have been a SAHM have you thought about how you would work with the shift work? I work shifts and I’m fairly inflexible but H has to be flexible when needed.

HopefullyAnonymous · 13/08/2018 22:51

I know a fair few prison officers, or should I say ex prison officers as most of them are now. It sounds awful. Lots of corrupt officers playing mind games with prison officers. Frequent violence. All the ones I know are adamant that there is no actual rehabilitation going on in prisons. I’ve visited a few through work and wouldn’t fancy it. The prison near me is recruiting though if you’re in my part of the country.

HappyGirl86 · 13/08/2018 22:55

I've worked in prisons for years- rehabilitation group work. I loved my work but I wouldn't recommend it now. Budget cuts have massively affected everything.
All my friends who are prison officers are very unhappy in their work and say it is such a dangerous job now.
Numerous staff assaults, massively understaffed wings, so much drug use. It was getting this way as I left to have my baby and I was starting to feel unsafe and I'd never felt like that in all the years I'd done it.
The pay for new prison officers is very poor now.

ILoveMyDressingGown · 13/08/2018 23:01

My sister did it. She got through the application process, the interview and the training and then lasted 2 months on the wings. She found it too stressful, very long hours, lots of overtime, a v. long commute and lack of support from the other officers.

CSIblonde · 13/08/2018 23:06

Interesting. What is so attractive to you about it OP? From documentaries very recently (the Strangeways one, & a women's prison one, can't remember the name) the mental health issues are off the scale (& inadequately addressed). One woman who had been on suicide watch almost constantly, committed suicide while they filmed the doc. She had a mental age of 12, numerous mental health issues. Prison was not the place for her. Suicide attempts are really common according to the officers there.

In the male prison violence towards officers was identified as commonplace. Violent incidents with officers & teaching/support staff were routine & often hushed up etc.
Rather you than me OP.

backaftera2yearbreak · 13/08/2018 23:06

Have you ever been in a prison? What is your wanting to work on one based on?

Noqont · 13/08/2018 23:09

You're not unreasonable. But it is a very challenging job, and from speaking with a female friend friend who has got out of the job after being seriously harmed, the personal risk is high.

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