Should I continue with prison officer application even though everyone's trying to put me off/laughing?

[AmusedCrow]

Every single person is saying 'Oh I couldn't do that ' 'Are you sure you want to do that?' or, laughing at the thought of me doing it because I'm not some big, tough intimidating man. (I'm a woman).
I'm well aware of the sort of challenges I'll face, I'm in my mid 30s now and have worked in 'challenging' situations before.
I want to give it a try, I know it's out of most people's comfort zones but I want to go in there with the intention of supporting and helping the prisoners. It's a men's prison.

I'm sorry but I don't quite thing suggesting someone can't do a role is banter?

This is a fair point. Any element of self doubt and you'd be doomed! They'd pick up on it straight away, chew you up and spit you out.

I work with people like that, in a similar environment, size and gentle demeanor isn't the issue. It can prove very useful, but letting someone get inside your head where you question yourself can be dangerous at times.

It's a very real risk an probability unfortunately. It does take a particular mindset and personality type to deal with it.

AmusedCrow · Today 21:02
I think they're laughing because I'm not an intimidating type. I usually get an array of comments such as 'oh I can't imagine you doing xyz' because I'm more of a 'gentle' person and people like to put you in boxes.
**
I appreciate the support!”

God, the last thing most offenders need are officers intimidating them! Many are there for incredibly complicated reasons and need compassion, understanding, encouragement along with education, discipline and a clear way forward.

Your contribution will be immensely valuable.

Good luck.

if its any reassurance I have been assaulted more often in schools than in prisons

I imagine it's a tough job but if it's really what you want, dont let other peoples opinions put you off. Its your life, not theirs. I considered it a few years back but decided I was too emotionally attached to the job I had at the time 😆 I regret not doing it, but I'm bit too old now, and not very fit 🙁

You can work on your fitness and you are never too old!!

My best friend is a prison officer, she made the swap from owning her own little business and she LOVES it. She's 45 and works in a men's prison, loves the variety, the different shifts etc. she says it's the best choice she's ever made and she's never been hurt or injured etc, she said the overwhelming majority of the inmates are perfectly polite and civil to her.

Did you make the same post recently? If not there is someone else on here in the exact same position with the exact same payrise. You can probably find them with a search?

@AmusedCrow, I just recognised your username from your other current thread — you seem to be letting other people’s opinions have an awful lot of weight in your head. Is this because you’re feeling unusually vulnerable at the moment, or is it an ongoing thing?

Go for it! The fact they don't fancy doing it themselves is totally irrelevant to you!

My DD3 is 20 and a prison officer! She loves her career with a passion and I'm so proud of her! ❤️

Not adding anything new here OP, but go for it!

It’s your life and you should pursue what interests you.

It’s rude of those commenting and tbh I honestly think some people think these kinds of comments are ‘banter’, not realising the impact they have (not excusing them).

Good luck!

The night shifts are the best bit! 7 nights on then a week off. Loved it.

If it’s a supporting role you want why are you not applying for a female prison?

The role is to work in a men's prison and there is no female prison near me.

female prisons are few are far between

I work in a non-operational role in a cat B men's reception prison, and I have to say it's the best job ever. I love working in a prison, despite it being one of the most chaotic and unpredictable environments ever! If you like things done by the book and organised regimes you might not do so well.

We have loads of female officers, and they all do brilliantly. It's all about the attitude, no need to be confrontational (in fact a lot of the male officers sometimes go into the job thinking they're Billy Big-Bollocks and try to order the prisoners around. They get nowhere very fast).

If you go in with a good mindset and attitude toward the prisoners, treat them like people whilst enforcing the rules, then you'll do well. I'm more than happy to share my experiences if you like :)

You can support men!

Many vulnerable men in the system. So many struggling with undiagnosed ADHD/Autism/Dyslexia

They are all someone's sons ..

There many female prison officers in the cat B I worked at. They were happy and had good rapports with the inmates. Prisons offer good career progression, and you sound emotionally resilient. Go for it!

If I was in your situation and ppl were around me were saying that it would make me more determined to apply. Best of luck sure if you don't try you will only have the "What ifs"

Good for you OP!

If no one did jobs because they might be a bit difficult we'd be in a right mess!

One of my friends applied to be a post women & everyone laughed as she was tiny but she enjoyed it for many years prior to privatisation!

Good news, I passed the interview with just under 75% ! I'm on a merit vacancy, hopefully won't be waiting too long!

well done!