As a Prison Officer you will be required to manage and be able to deal with a range of responsibilities to include:
1. Conducting searches on prisoners, staff and visitors
2. Responding to and effectively managing a range of incidents as ‘first on the scene’ and back up support
3. Keeping detailed records on centralised systems and completing timely reports, to include updating and writing prisoner reports
4. Following national and local regulations and policies
5. Building and maintaining strong professional relationships with your colleagues and prisoners
6. Supporting prisoners to achieve their rehabilitation goals
7. Advising and counselling prisoners and ensuring they are aware/have access to professional help if needed
8. Be aware of prisoners’ rights, dignity and personal responsibility
9. Dealing with prisoners from a diverse background or religion, and those who come with their problems i.e. drug dependant, mental health issues, etc.
10. Working as a team to provide constant and consistent support to the prisoners
Skills & Behaviours
There is no set skill set required of a Prison Officer. You will need to be flexible, have the support of family and friends, and have a certain of amount of emotional resilience, Respect and integrity are vital to the role.