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Prison Officer

Do you want to become a Prison Officer? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

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Prison officers are responsible for the health and safety, training and rehabilitation of prisoners. They may work in remand centres, young offender institutions or prisons. Prison officers also ensure visitors follow and understand the security measures that are in place. Duties may include:

• searching and holding security checks on visitors and prisoners
• supervising recreational activities
• taking part in schemes aimed at protecting prisoners including anti-bullying and suicide prevention
• writing reports.

Prison officers work The average shifts are around 37 to 39 hours a week. They are expected to work a variety of shifts, including nights, weekends and some long days. Part-time work and job shares are available.

Salaries range from £16,896 in England and Wales, £12,500 in Scotland, for prison officers starting out, to £29,895 for principal officers.

Prison officers should:

• have excellent written, verbal and listening skills
• be prepared for the unexpected and able to deal with situations quickly and effectively
• be compassionate and impartial, tactful but firm
• stay calm under pressure
• Prison officers should enjoy working with people from different backgrounds
• be interested in helping people to make the most of their opportunities.
• take advantage of the learning opportunities available to them.

Prison officers are employed by the Prison Service, which is run by the government. There are separate Prison Services for England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Employment is currently stable

Candidates are required to have five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) including maths and English, or pass an entry test. Candidates undergo a medical examination and fitness test. The Prison Service makes enquiries into the applicant's nationality, health and identity, including a Criminal Record Bureau check if working with people under the age of 18. Fast track opportunities are available to graduates. Applications are welcomed from mature people with experience in relevant fields.

Initial training in England and Wales takes eight weeks and is in the form of a residential course at a Prison Service College. The first year of service is a probationary period, during which training continues on the job. Officers are encouraged to work towards NVQs/SVQs in Custodial Care.

After two years working as a prison officer it is possible to be promoted by examination and interview to senior prison officer . ,nd then There may be opp ortunities to train as a prison governor.

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