To consider working in a men's prison

[TheQuickGoldSheep]

I'm in the Civil Service already, I'm on 24.8k, do overtime every week to earn more but they've confirmed this is stopping soon.

I've applied for a role in a men's cat B/C prison, completed the tests which were bonkers and waiting to hear if I've got an interview.

For 41h the salary is £34.800 a year so literally a 10 grand pay rise, I don't see how I'd achieve such a rise elsewhere. Of course it's for good reason, working some nights and weekends, no WFH like now, and that the role itself is tough.

The role does appeal to me as I have previously worked with 'challenging' people. I'm no stranger to being verbally abused and to the occasional punch, I am good at remaining calm and diffusing situations, I've worked in mental health roles and the role does attract me even though I know it'd be very challenging.

I'm sure I'd have a lot to learn and it'll probably be incredibly daunting. Would be grateful to hear if anyone's done it or knows people who do it.
The role does appeal but also I'm in the process of buying a home alone, my mortgage and bills will soon be costing me around £200 a month more than they currently do and overtime is stopping, so I'm worried.

I'm 33 now and I want to progress salary-wise.

I am also applying for other civil service promotions in the meantime.

I did it for about a decade, one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever done.
BUT
It is not for everyone. Some people could only manage 2 hours, 2 days, two weeks, two months.
If you could wangle a volunteer position for a short time (just a couple of days), it could help you decide.

Thank you for your reply!
What were your favourite/least favourite things about the role?

I work in a cat C men’s prison. Could never be an officer. Some thrive on the environment, others not so. Maybe an OSG role would suit you?

Is it HMP or private prison?

It's HMP :)
I did look at the OSG but sadly the salary isn't high enough.

You'll be fine!

I'm in a men's cat B. Depends where they put you

Don't expect much support from management though, you need to be pro active and ask the questions from experienced officers

I worked in a cat B men's prison for 5 years, albeit in the HR department so not directly working with the prisoners. Pro's are it is a very close knit working environment, your team literally have your back and you will rely heavily on each other. Not just for safety but also emotionally. You will have friends for life.

Cons, it is very stressful and you cannot take for granted how impacted emotionally you will be. You won't 'just be' a prison officer but also a social worker, therapist, teacher etc as services are strapped.

Its not a role for everyone

Do it Op! Your attitude sounds so positive and healthy to it. Jobs want you as much as you want them if that makes sense- if you're going to see the best in it and make the most of it you'll thrive. Good luck!

Thank you!
I work in a very 'cushy' office role now, even though it's poorly paid, but I've previously worked in elderly dementia care, teaching, and mental health support work.

What’s the role?

It's for an officer :)

Yep, team work is like no other place. You start the day on plan A and if you finish the day on plan F, life is great.

Management have a fair few "computer says no" moments.

Officer is probably the toughest role.

I work in a cat C mens prison and I love it. No 2 days are the same and I've met some very interesting people.

Thank you, how so?

I'm scared of the thought of getting boiling water thrown over me/shanked and stuff like that to be honest..

I have zero knowledge of the roles but I'm reading and super impressed with how fiesty you sound and take my hat off to you and the other posters who take on these roles, I'm also amazed the pay isn't so much higher.

Also interested in this thread. Like you OP I've worked in mental health, substance misuse etc and like this kind of work. But would like to know more about the best and the worst bits!

Don't blame you, sounds horrific, not to mention the abuse and possible violence.

Can be a very toxic environment. You very quickly become desensitised to things, and most people there have very unhealthy working relationships with each other. It's like once you're inside you're detached from the outside world, and probably the reason pretty much everyone is having an affair. I've worked in a Cat B and Cat C, the Cat C was way worse as obviously runs on much less staff. Also, good experienced officers have left and are being replaced with a lot of new staff who don't have the same respect for the job, or the prisoners.

95% of the staff I speak to would tell you it would be one of the biggest mistakes you could make!

If you think you can handle it go for it!

My mum worked in one and she had to leave in the end as there were quite a few paedophiles and she struggled with that aspect.

Thank you for the honest answers!
I think I've been watching too much orange is the new black lately, and I've also been worrying about meeting corrupt officers like Mendez and basically most of the others 🙄

Hi OP I work in a Cat B remand prison. I have great respect for the officers. It’s a tough job but can be very rewarding. You get to work with a wide variety of people - both other staff and prisoners. You sound like you would be a great asset to the prison service with your background and attitude. Also some of the new officers are so young with very little
life experience. In terms of violence towards staff, officers do have to get involved with restraints and might get a punch thrown at them but in terms of actually being kettled or stabbed that’s really quite rare.

Thank you very much. This might sound naive but how are prisoners getting access to boiling water like that in the first place?