In our review of different careers we take a look at how to become a prison officer. A prison officer in the UK works in HRH prsions throughout the UK, in prisons liek Wormwood Strubs, Strangeways and Ford Open Prison, to name but a few.
What Does a Prison Officer Do?
A prison officer works directly with prisoners on a day to day basis, ensuring the smooth running of a prison and that prisoners needs are met. They are responsible for control and security within the prison.
A typical day would include unlocking prisoners and ensuring they attend workshops and appointments in a timely manner, working alongside cleaners and workers on a wing and making sure they're doing their job correctly, collecting food and ensuring everyone receives their correct meal, conducting rub down searches, cell searches and cell checks, locking prisoners in their cells at night and ensuring doors are secure.
You also act as a prisoners emotional and mental support quite often dealing with people who are in great distress. You often have to deal with self harm, acting as first on scene until healthcare arrive, violence, aggression and dirty protests. There are times you will have to physically restrain prisoners and so a certain level of fitness is required.
As a prison officer you would also need to ensure a wide variety of paperwork is completed correctly and all local and national policies are adhered to.
Is Becoming a Prison Officer Right For Me?
Being a prison officer can be a stressful, dangerous and fast paced job, where you work in a dynamic and ever changing environment.
The following qualities are ideal for a potential prison officer.
- The ability to follow instruction.
- The ability to take the lead when necessary.
- The ability to get on with people, talk and be friendly. Whilst many people believe the job is about authority, 90% of what is needed is achieved by getting on with people rather than being in charge of them.
- The ability to work in extremely stressful situations.
- The ability to remain calm and professional while being subject to behaviour that is often rude and aggressive.
- Be physically fit.
- Good I.T skills; being a prison officer often involves entire days sat at a computer in a busy office.
How Much Can a Prison Officer Earn?
The starting salary for a prison officer is £20,545 which includes a 17% unsociable hours payment.
This is for a 37 hour week. You also have the option to work additional hours up to a maximum of four hours. The starting salary if you chose to do the maximum 41 hour week would be £22,823. The top level of pay you will receive is approximately £4,000 more than your starting salary, which you should earn after four years should your performance remain satisfactory.
What Qualifications Do I Need To Become a Prison Officer?
There are no required qualifications for this role. You will be required to complete an initial assessment online upon application, this will determine if your application will progress any further. If successful you will then be invited to a recruitment assessment day (RAD) where you will need to complete a fitness test, medical, a simple maths and English test, and your JSACs. The JSAC's consist of four role-play scenarios in which you are being marked on your ability to communicate, listen and challenge inappropriate behaviour.
