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Frequently Asked Questions

This faq is comprised of 2008 questions and answers, cited by guests or members of the site Prison Officer .Org.UK

The questions and answers are reproduced in good faith and with the purpose of assisting UK candidates for position as Prison Officer.
When you read an "answer" on this page, please remember that it was written by another member of the site, who hopefully knows what they're talking about, but the information may be out of date or even totally wrong.
If you are in doubt, then please find the enquiry number provided to you in your application pack and phone to confirm the exact and current answer to your query.

Good luck and please do join our forums

what happens after passing the initial questionnaire ?

since 7th January 2008. The application is now online, on passing the initial questionnaire you are emailed a numeracy test which you take and then submit your answers, you have 60 minutes to complete four sections, but you can save after section, as long as you complete all sections in 7 days.

If you are successful in the online test you will then be invited to a RAD (recruitment assessment day)

      further info here if needed

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what is the selection process?

In order to apply for an advertised Prison Officer vacancy, you will be required to complete an application form. In addition you may also be asked to complete a Prison Officer Skills Assessment Form.

Within the Skills Assessment Form you will be given a number of scenarios and asked to describe how you have acted in similar situations. You will be asked to provide details of each situation, how you helped the situation and why you took the approach that you did to help. You will be able to draw your examples not just from the workplace, but any area of your life to include voluntary work or hobbies.

          further info here if needed

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how many prisons are there in England and Wales and where are they?

There are currently over 139 prisons in England and Wales. The Establishment Map shows the location of all the Prison Establishments, Training Units, Central Services and Contracted prisons.

This can be downloaded and printed to your required size. Left click on the link below to open in a new window, or to save to your computer, right click and select 'save target as'.

          further info here if needed

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DO THEY CONTACT ALL EMPLOYMENT FOR THE LAST 10 YEARS FOR REFERENCES???????

they check you employers and your history back three years from now....that's the longest that a crime regist is kept in the police as well...

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I have my RAD in a couple of days! HELP!

The best advice I can give is to calm down, it's not as daunting as you think. The role playing is very straight forward and is good fun once you get into it.

Take a deep breath and just be yourself.

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Why do you want to become a Prison Officer?

lol its got to be the uniform 100% lol

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I have been invited to visit my second choice establishment.......what I am to expect on the day?

I had my establishment visit back in January. Basically we had a tour of the prison (went on 5 wings), met lots of staff and prisoners, had a nosey in some of the cells. I was there for about two hours. We finished off with a chat with a Principal Officer would asked and answered lots of questions.

          further info here if needed

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grip test

To all applicants, just thought I'd share the idea of using a powerball to strengthen your grip test as I heard it really helps although is a bit weird at first. I'm sure most of the fellas will be fine but I admit I defo need to improve on this, that's presuming I get that far, LOL!

          further info here if needed

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I passed my RAD on the 1st May and I have received a CRB form to fill in

Regarding the Police CRB check. Did you all get copies back from it? It is usual in other jobs to recieve a copy at the same time as the company does, but no-one has posted on here saying they've recieved theirs today etc...

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I arrived at Grendon RAD for 2.10pm for a 2pm start and was informed without ceremony that I was too late

bad news Im afraid,I have been told I failed by 1 mark on the literacy test which I found unbelievable as literacy is one of my strong points,I also received 4 x As a B+ and a B in the core subjects.I have requested a remark on my paper as all I can think is that a mistake has been made but I have had no reply back yet,I am totally gutted at present,Pluto.

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role plays?

Yes and what a swine he was hehe i would not agree with him you cant, he was making referals to females being a certain way;-P i just kept disagreeing but he was hard

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how long have people had to wait for their result? i had my JSAC yesterday when should i find out by???

Next day for me. Just never logged on for two days so did not realise

Ps hope it goes well bartini

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can anyone tell me anymore detail of the fitness test ??

You don't have to be seriously fit, in the short time between finding out when my fitness was and actually doing it I went for an hour walk and that was it. I'm 6 foot 3 and weight 16 stone i'm certainly not that physically fit atm, I passed fine with pretty much breaking a sweat because it was absolutely boiling hot when I did it

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Hi I have my RAD on Thursday and am worried about my BMI it is 35-36 I have heard the max is 35

i went to Birmingham for mine, my BMI was 37 i think it was fine there they just refere you to OH so dont panick lol and remember they cannot divesify lol thats what they keep telling you the reson where are tested on role plays how typical would it be if they said oh im sorry you cannot join lmao you will be fine as long as your willing to take advice etc

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Is being a prison officer a good career move?

l've now been in the job 4 1/2 years now and l love it, yes it does have it days and within the first couple of months you'll question why you joined but you should get by, talk to work mates and your S.O. the prisoners do have a lot more rights these days and don't they know it, some of them will admit it's easier inside than out, however the discipline and control is still there, i will admit my prison is under staffed and the prisoners could easily make it a lot more differcult for us if they wanted, but we have good working relationship with prisoners and that's where respect come's in. you do not get respect from the pisoners because you wear black and white you have to earn it and then you will get it back.

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I wanted to know if credit checks are done as part of recruitment?

yes they are done but provided you havent gone bankrupt they should not be a problem

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Hiya, I have passed my POST and JSAC, and have been called to an interview tomorrow

The, 'interview' was absolutley nothing to worry about- and was very informal. It was basically a chat to discuss the issue of working with CAT A Prisoners, and if I was ready/able to deal with it, (as where I have applied a high amount of inmates are serious sex offenders) I am glad I had done some research though- as I was asked what I knew about the Prison and also any history/prev Prisoners etc.

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where are the latest vacancies? I don't think there are any

I wouldnt panic as vacancies will always come up in your areas staff will always Leave ,Retire and get the boot so the door will not be closed for long ! I do know people that do travel in excess of 100 miles to work in my prison but i have to admit that i wouldnt fancy this after a days work !

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Just wondered how long security and vetting checks take

a few weeks or months im afraid

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what is the age of people applying to become officers?

I hate these age bracket things. Wasn't too bad when it was the 18-25 age range, now it's getting even worse. I'm now in the 31-35 one

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Well had my Jsac today!

I was nervous about the role plays before hand ..... you can get the how to..... CD's from t'internet. just click here

I haven't used them, but people who have say it has helped them. I say use whatever you can to prepare yourself to get the job done and the job you want.

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what does a prison officer actually have to do? and how much do they earn?

A prison officer has responsibility for the security, supervision, training and rehabilitation of people committed to prison by the courts. This includes motivating prisoners to do what is best for themselves, and others around them, within a safe and healthy environment.

In addition to their custodial duties, prison officers must be able to establish and maintain positive working relationships with prisoners, balancing authority with a large amount of understanding and compassion, in order to effect rehabilitation.

The nature of the role demands the ability to think on one's feet, make quick decisions and deal effectively with unexpected situations.

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im an officer at HMP/YOI Peterborough and i have been for 2 yrs. This is Male and Female private sector prison

I'd be interested on the 'inside scoop' too as I guess I'm guilty of not exactly praising the private sector companies

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what is the intensive development scheme?

All i can say is the accelarated promotion scheme is ok.Sift on applicants are good although some already serving officers also apply and get a place.

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bleep test am dreading it... just tried test and only got to 4.5.... can i do it?!?! what happens is i fail it?

was told that u get at least one other chance at the fitness test, you need to reach 5.6 i think, you might find it easier with other people around to set the pace and for motivation.

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how do I apply ONLINE?

Once you have read through the information on this page please click on the APPLY NOW link for an application form.

You should complete all sections of the form and submit it to us as soon as possible. Although, there is no closing date at present, placements at each prison will be allocated to each successful candidate as soon as their assessment and vetting process is completed.

The application process is fully online. The form enables you to complete your application in stages if you wish, by registering and saving your application as you go along.

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What unions are present in prisons?

The only union worth joining is the POA - a local representative will see you during your induction.

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I am 26 and have received a criminal record as a juvenile under the age of 17

If you had a prison sentence of 6 months, the rehabilitation period lasts 7 years if you were eighteen or over when convicted, and 3 and a half years if you were under eighteen.

If the prison sentence was between 6 months and two and a half years, the rehabilitation period lasts 10 years if you were aged 18 or over when convicted and 5 years if you were under 18 years.

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Hi Can anyone tell me about the fitness test and what is expected?

irst of all you do the grip strengh test, you squeeze a device.

Then you do the beep test, its running for 3 an a half minutes to and from cones.

Then you do the pull/push test, its on like a rowing machine.

Then you run around cones. its approx 100 metres in 35 secs.

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in 2007 HMP were recruiting for London and the advert said "If you are between 18 and 62"

I think when I made my application many years ago the upper age limit was 49.5 not sure about the minimum limt.

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Is it worth being in the Prison Officers Association?

Yes it is, I must say it has to be the best union to be in and i recommend it to anyone who is in the prison service to join up. You get a 110% backing from the establishments union representitive's. They fight your corner when you need it. They are always there for you and trust me you will need them at least once in your prison service career.

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if I join up as a prison officer does that mean my current pension is stopped and carried over to the Prison service?

I have worked with officers who were also drawing a service pension and I have worked with officers who had their pensionable service transferred over to their HMP pension.

You need to get some advice about what is best for your individual situation taking into account your age. There has been a lot of messing about with pensions over the last few years and there is probably no simple answer that applies across the board.

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So how has your application to become a prison officer gone so far?

Just postponed my interview as i wanna spend abit more time getting into peak personal fitness (although i know its not nessesary) and hopefully i can keep it up whilst working at the prisons. applying at end of year/january next year. ||

|| I have downloaded the bleep test to my phone, going to mark out the distance, and train on it that way. If i do pass, do they tell you on the day?

And than how long is it till starting date?

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Can I be a Prison Officer in Northern Ireland?

There do seem to be a few minor differences in the recruitment and selection procedures, but nothing major. I'm hoping there may be a few NI POs that use this site who may be able to post anything useful about the differences, failing that, maybe contribute a few of my findings myself as I go along. I applied for an OSG post over the net last month (6 mar) and last week received an invite to an aptitude test next Monday

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So how was the fitness test for you?

I found easy not as hard as i thought it was going to be, the beep test was ok, but the cone run was a bit of a joke ,I can not see how any one can fail that part of the test.

Before my fitness test I had not done any training for a month before and still passed it to be honest i train harder now that i am in the job than before, I run 2-3times aweek and use the gym too but they have to set a level that will cater for all age groups witha basic level of fitness

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Are there many people on here that work for GSL?

There is no fitness test for GSL. They've just been bought out by G4S though so this could change!

I don't work with anyone who is unfit.

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what's the grip test like?

The grip test is fairly easy I sprained my wrist a bit before I did mine and I still passed it, so its not that hard

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boots or shoes? and which make? magnums? or elite2?

I've just bought a pair of elite2 boots with a safety toecap. @ £85 I hope they last longer than 6 weeks. My last pair magnum Protectors lasted me about 5 years ( I wear shoes in summer)

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what's the BMI maximum?

i think it is 35bmi

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are there still places that have prison houses or digs?

Prison houses got sold off along with council properties years ago !

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im a bit concerned in regards to the Credit Check.

You cannot be an undischarged bankrupt and should, according to a PSO someone else will doubtless quote, declare current serious finacial difficulty. Aside from that no worries mate.

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what is an OSG?

It is an operational support grade,they do a range of jobs from searching visitors to licking stamps.

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I have an outstanding fine for going through a red light dating back about 14 months ago

I don't wish to be the harbinger of doom but, it's entirely possible that when this fine comes to light, you may well find yourself rejected. Although you have an interview date in June, as of yet, no checks will have been carried out.

May I ask why you didn't just pay the fine as and when you received it?

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is it too much hard work working in a YOI?

Good news and bad news:

The good news:

If you decide you don't like YO's you can always apply to transfer to another establishment.

The bad news:

The future regarding pay does not look good. De skilling, reducing pay-scales, poorer pension conditions, non consolidated pay rises and an attitude that it is wrong to expect annual cost of living allowances. Add to that more economies (more for less), workplace reform (more for less) and an annual reduction in budgets for the foreseeable future (more for less), I don't think things are likely to improve.

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can somebody just give me a quick summary of what prison officer life is like being a female?

Most of the banter between staff takes place in the Tea Room. Most of the problems I have to deal with involving new female staff centre around equal opps issues - generally from dinosaurs who either think there being funny, don’t recognise it as a problem, or dismiss the issues.

I have three straight female officers who transferred from HY due to the same issues involving lesbian bullying.

Would I rather shovel elephant pooh than be a prison officer - absolutely…. But although I was offered a job doing just that the pay was less than half what I get from the service - so I’ll have to stay until the mortgage is paid.

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I have just failed the pre-appointment checks the worst possible xmas present ... can i appeal against the decision ?

That is bloody hard. I would definately try to find out what thats all about if I was you mate. Let us know of the outcome wont you. I dont mean that you should advertise all over this site what you past was, just if you are able to appeal in some way. Or at least find out why you got conflicting responses!!

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Is being a prison officer a popular job? i mean do prisons recieve tonnes of applications from wannabes?

Yes it is very popular I don't know why

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what is "A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A AVERAGE PRISON OFFICER?"

Typical early start.

Relieve night staff and do a head count having a smoke whilst you do it.

Go make a coffee and then stamp and sign up the ACCT's.

Scribble in the E-Man book(s).

Quick ganders at the Obs book.

Continue drinking coffee whilst doing the role boards for that morning.

....... more

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what happens if you fail medical and fitness test??

You won't get in as there is yearly fitness test now for new staff.I would not worry as i am sure you are fit enough and when i joined many moons ago bleep test was over 8.

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is there a windscreen sticker for this site?

Think carefully before advertising the fact that you are a prison officer on your car etc. There are far too many people out there who have an extremely bad attitude towards prison officers, and you could end up with a brick through your windscreen.

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is there a "HOW TO BECOME A PRISON OFFICER CD" ?

How2Become have a number of career disc that help you through the recruitment process of many careers and roles one of which is... >>BECOME A PRISON OFFICER<<

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what are the MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS?

too much information to summarise - click on "further info"

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I keep being asked why I would want to become a prison officer!

Because it's better than sitting in an office all day, bored out of your mind, e-mailing your mates back and forth and literally falling asleep at your desk... like I used to!

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I have been reading about the bleep test on the internet - what is it?

hey Taffy, I just worked out the speed in metres/seconds and 8.5km/h is about right to be honest, but seriously, it is a brisk walk to start and increase to a steady jog over 3.5 minutes - you would need some serious fitnes issues not to pass it. I'm sure you'll have tried the download version by now, it's a breeze.

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I wonder what sort of training is being given to new officers now?

it's all about suicides and race relations now they tell me. I had a NEPO in the office the other day asking me the difference between a Judge and a Magistrate and what does "J.R'd" mean??? Then he asked what the chain was on my shirt going from one pocket to the other. I said it was my whistle (I know, I've just always worn it like that over my tie). He didn't say it but he was thinking why do we need whistles?

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I am going to Newbold revel soon for training, can you tell me what the evening entertainment is like?

Evening entertainment??? EVENING ENTERTAINMENT!!!???? You're there to work man not play.

OK to answer your question. There's a bar thats open from 1800 to 2300 (I think, could be 2330), there are two rooms - the green room and the blue room with TV, pool and snooker tables in and erm thats about it. You are warned on your induction not to go getting too drunk and most people are sticking to this. But be aware that if you're drunk then your section will get a bad name.

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do you get paid throughout the training process of your application?

As i understand it, your paid from Day 1 of the training and get paid on the last working day of each month.

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how do you get home at night?

Hi Tig, not sure what time lates start, I think it depends on how late you are when planning to travel. The earlier you travel the safer on a train, later means less people in the carriages, so perhaps less safer, but also much less traffic on the roads. A few dry runs by car, and perhaps take a rail trip with somebody at the allotted time will give you an idea.

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I know overtime is paid as TOIL but is there any plans for this to be paid as proper overtime and not just as TOIL?

Its very hard to get your toil usually, some prison have EGP's which you can have instead of toil, which is a flat rate, but this is usually for bed watches

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what other roles are available to prison officers once they have finished their probation?

Get used to being a November for about 6 months or so, then spending a couple of years as either a movements officer or cleaning officer! Then you might get the opportunity to 'specialise'

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Can anyone tell me if boots are a required part of the uniform. Why not shoes?

You can wear boots or shoes as long as they are black and reasonably smart (polish up)

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What in your opinions is the type of person who will succeed in this job?

A good Officer is someone who can make a decision, know they are right, stick by their judgement, say NO and mean it, use their own common sense, and be prepared for danger and accept it when it happens without taking their experiences home with them. Overall NEVER back down.

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what is the starting salary?

Basic salary £17.774. This is something about £1450 per month. And the question is: this is before or after tax ??

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do i get supplied with uniform on my first week OR after i complete 8 week course?

From what i have read on here there is a national shortage but you may be lucky if the prison your allocated to has some uniform in stores and i think that you are expected to turn up in as close as possible clothes to the uniform.

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Tattoo's is it the same as the police, i.e. non offensive is acceptable, or is it a case of all Tattoo's need too be covered??

As much facial hair as you like and non offensive tattoos.

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Im just about to start training at the Northern Ireland Prison Service College. Have you any tips for a new boy like me?

The college is where all officers are trained in Nireland. The course is 8 weeks, 6 weeks at college, 2 on the job. One year probation.

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I was wondering what the women's uniform consisted of? and do they wear trousers?

They have the same as the men except v-neck type blouses/shirts so we wont get the added protection of the bullet/stab proof tie!

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Whats the going rate for working bank holidays?

No difference in pay, you get an additional 11 days leave a year to compensate for Bank Holidays. So effectively flat rate and day in lieu.

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just got my email today to tell me that I passed my RAD.

Im pretty sure the fitness test is done before training, about half way through the vetting process. From what i have read you dont seem to hear nothing for weeks then all of a sudden you get an email saying you have the fitness test next week! Don't seem to give much notice!

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What did you do the 1st couple of weeks after training at your assigned Prison?

You should be given a mentor to guide you but really its just crack on with it mate !

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I AM A 32 YEAR OLD MUM OF 4 AND I HAVE WANTED TO BECOME A PRISON OFFICER FOR SOME TIME. AM I TOO OLD?

no 32 is not too old in the slightest,you have 30 solid years to serve and you can bring skills and experience that others most likely couldnt.....plus after dealing with kids its gotta help...no?

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does anyone have the tel number for shared services?

0845 0103 508........

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Hi there could someone please tell me what an average shift pattern is?

In my establishment we get a weekend off every two weeks , some weekends will be a 2 day , 3 day or four day weekend depends were you are in the shift pattern .

Some weeks you can do 8 days without a day off it all depends on the rota and were you are on it !

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what happens about references?

Well i've seen the reference form....

Not really anything to worry about....Just ask the employer for a description of the job that you're currently doing, if past employer a reason for leaving...(My director had already filled mine in saying career change, when i pointed it out that it went to past employers as well) a set number of questions to which he can either tick something positive or something negative

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I have a tongue piercing and was just wondering whether I'll be able to keep it when I start?

I have asked this question before, in the 'tattoos' thread.

General answer is yes. No one has said anything to me about removing mine, and apparently there are even some eyebrow piercings around, but doubt I would like to chance having one of these on the landings!!

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My girlfriend is getting all worried that I am going to join the prison service and then end up not liking it

I have been in a similar situation as yourself, When I applied for the job my husband thought I was having a bit of a laugh as previously I had been studying for nursing. My husband is a Security Manager and did try to tell me of all the bad points of doing that kind of work.

He was saying things like why do you want to do that, and whats wrong with nursing etc etc...

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Just wondering if any of the serving officers have any recommendations with relation to footwear...

I started with a pair of Centec work boots which were cheap but were ok for a while then got the usual Magnums which are doing alright so far. Id say whatever fits well and looks decent is best, you are going to spend many many hours wearing them and walk far! Steels are not permitted in case you use them to kick people (unless you are a prisoner on the gardens or paint party in which case the prison will issue you are pair!!)

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I am going to an assessment day and the website says there will be FOUR roleplays each lasting 10 minutes?!?!?

the role plays are nowhere near as scary as everyone thinks they will be and the people you will be dealing with are very good at geting in character so it feels very real.

Theres lots of chat about these JSACs on here so have a nose about and you will soon relax.

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Can you change or add to choices of establishment, think I made wrong choices

Hi, Ive been asking if this is possible at every stage of the process, and have been told by a number of people that I have to wait until Im contacted by the admin staff after the final stages are complete.
This is what I was told by both the POST staff and the JASAC staff. So Im just waiting now for the admin staff to get in touch, its been 6 weeks since i passed the JASAC so hopefully it shouldnt be very long.
Ill let you know what they say when the let me know.

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as a prison officer is there actually a chance to play any sport at all?

We have rugby union teams in the south not sure about the north we also have football hockey netball teams as well as golf soceitys.

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Does anyone have the contact details for shared services please ?

Save yourself the bother mate. Open the nearest window and shout out of it then go back to what you were doing safe in the knowledge your query will be dealt with in exactly the same way as it would had you spoken to SSC

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what is POELT ?

Prison Officer Entry Level Training (POELT) provides new officers with the foundation skills and knowledge they need to begin their Prison Service careers. It’s an 8-week course, with training shared between home establishments and a training delivery site. This could be Prison Service College Newbold Revel or one of our local sites.

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my husband before we got married went to prison for not deliverying royal mail post,would this affect my application ?

Have you declared this? You must. It may not stop you application but if they find out and you didnt disclose it will be likely to stop it dead.

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i've just taken my POST and was curious as to the location of the JSAC centres

The RAD are all over the country you will get a few options and have to select one although you will probably have to travel

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Would love to hear from any female prison officers and their experiences.

too many lady responses to summarise, click on "further info"

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is it possible to be a special constable while serving as a prison officer?

Yes this is possible, I am applying in 2 weeks time, You need to get a written notice from the governor of approval to send with your Special constable Application form

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just wondering if im gonna have to get myself a cv?

Don't worry, a CV is not requied, the only paperwork you need is the forms you have filled in and the proofs of ID and address

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are most people getting through the POST, JSAC and medical?

When i took my JSAC there were 4 other people there i was the only one that was there for the first time the others were on there second time around, i dont know whether they passed or not. So its hard to say if everyone gets through.

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will the prison service use the electoral list to confirm identity?

I believe they do use the electorial register as a means of checking ones ID. I am just waiting for my security clearance to go through and I know the person I gave the Prison Service as a personnel reference, was picked up for not being on the electoral register at the address I had given ,as he had moved into his new house two weeks prior. Fortunately for me he wrote back for me and explained his circumstances. So just keeping my fingers crossed that it all works out.

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what exactly can you specialize in? And how would you go about it?

Dog handler search/attack
Healthcare officer
Instructional officers anything from fixing cars to gardening
PEI gym instructors
Race relations officer
Police liaison officer
safer custody officer
Security officer

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what happens when a female prison officer gets pregnant?

Unfortunately in the Prison service this is shunned upon and the governors leave you to pound the landings until your due date, sometimes on your own.

Don’t agree with it, but that’s the system, it’s all down to a shortage of staff, the governors say it is quite safe as historically a pregnant officer has never been assaulted

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what are the height restrictions?

All height restrictions were done away with some years ago under the anti discrimination laws. They were deemed to cause "indirect discrimination" by disproportionately affecting women and asians.

I think the height limits were originally 5'10" for men and 5'5" for woman, reduced to 5'5" for both, then done away with altogether.

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Does anyone have a clear favourite category of prison to work in. What are the pro's & con's of working in each category ?

I've worked in Dispersal, B and C. At the end of the day prison is prison and prisoners are prisoners - cat C's can be cat A's next time round and cat A's generally become cat C's, eventually. Categorisation is mainly about escape potential, not behaviour, attitude or crime. Don't get too bogged down with it.

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Do they tell you on the day whether you have passed the fitness test or not?

I was told on the day & you only need a low level of fitness , just do some jogging for 15 to 20 mins or so, add a few short sprints

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get a fone call this morning sayin that unfortunately due to cuts, my job offer is withdrawn

You know, I dont want to start moaning or disheartening anybody but unfortunately this has to be said. The whole recruitment campaign so far seems to be nothing but a complete shambles I'm afraid to say. People are being rejected for reasons they dont know or understand. Other people, like jdaggerz have had this strange phone call... WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON PEOPLE??.... It certainly makes a person feel slightly shaky about giving up a job and starting on a, what should and could be a demanding, enjoyable but fairly safe career in the Prison Service. The readings on the forum so far certainly do not reflect what is promised on the website under 'careers'

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is there a brief outline of the daily duties of a Prison Officer please?

hi tilts we average 39 hours a week.we are required to work shifts including weekends and nights.I do a week of nights every 6 months followed by a week off and 1 weekend in 3.

A main shift is 7:30 to 17:15 then we have the dreaded A shift 7:30 to 21:00 a late shift 12:30 to 21:00 and an early 7:30 to 12:30 and my fav the rest day when I spend time with my lovely son and girlfreind.the week can consist of any combo of these shifts some weeks are longer than others and some prisons work every other weekend or 1 in 4.

No two prisons are the same so this is only a guide hope it helps good luck with the selection tests,remeber to keep your cool and you will be fine

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Do other prison officers respect you as an 18 year old prison officer?

I would be more worried about the flack you will get from the prisoners over your age !

It will be difficult for you !

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Just wondering if having a relative in prison or a relative with a criminal record would be detrimental to my chances

im not sure but having a relative inside should not make any difference the only problam is you will not be able to work where they are. Like has been put before be honest about it, try phoning the help line and asking them as they will know

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how often are prison officers assaulted and what usually happens to the prisoner involved?

The last serious assault on an Officer in our Prison was dealt with by the con being shipped to another prison and now the Police are pressing for common assault..but saying that we have had situations where Officers have not pressed charges.

As for PPE you get your extendable baton and your wits and thats your lot.

If you part of a planned take out ie grabbing someone out of a cell you wear full protective equipment..helmet with visor..protective pads for arms and legs..slash proof gloves etc..all good fun

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Can anyone tell me what shoes are best? Ive heard Magnums are good but there are sooooo many styles?

recently purchased some Magnums myself, get yourself down to Millets (outdoor leisure type shop) they have a few styles you can try for size. I bought the Response 8" ones Very comfortable and resonably priced too!

If you do decide to purchase from said store Prison Officers get 10% discount!

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I'm female and was planning on going to a female prison but quite liked the look of the male prison

I am not sure harder is the correct word,challenging maybe in the sense that there are a few more issues to deal with compared with a male nic.Also they tend to band lots of diffrent cat's together because unlike the male estate there are only two types of prisoner suitable for open or closed,and rarely the odd cat a here and there.

So the fact that you have all these diffrent types of offenders under one roof is possible why people say it is harder.another way of looking at it is you get to look at all these diffrent types of prisoners in your first post and then you can decide were you want to go from there.

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any advise on the Juvenile JSAC would be most helpful.

Hi, i took and passed my juvenile JSAC last month, apparently not many pass and those that do are always put in juvenile prisons (wish id of known this before hand, i may not have tried so hard, lol)

Its hard to give advice really unless you get the exact same scenario which i should imagine changes regularly, Just be yourself, get the required answers from the role player as written in the brief, if they have done something wrong you need to explain to them that its wrong and why its wrong, make it clear you want to help them and your here for them if they need to talk about anything, offer good advice for any problems they give you and listen for clues for further problems they may be having but need encouragement to talk about it, if the same thing is said twice you've missed something and it wont be said a third time.

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just wondered what the score is with specialising

You will have to complete a year in which ever role they give you before they agree to you taking a course in PE or indeed dog handling,unless you are incredable lucky the prison service like to see you in action for a year untill they agree to spend any more money training you.

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is there a consistent shift pattern throughout all sites or do they vary?

Everywhere is different. The only common pattern is alternate weekends on in almost all gaols, unless on self rostering. The general rule is 2 rest days a week, one of which will be a weekend day. As the week starts on a Sunday, the Saturday rest day in one week is put back to back with the Sunday rest day in the next week to give you the weekend off. Sometimes referred to as the 10 day fortnight.

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what is the footwear allowance?

It's £60 (2x£30) but you pay tax on it.

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Just wondered how quick you get your uniform when starting at the prison

Hi I am starting at HMP Ranby on feb 11th still havent left my old job yet but picked up my uniform ready for my first day last week. So well on the ball here. Although I got 5 short sleeve shirts and only 2 long ones. summer it aint... And 1 pair of trousers, better make sure I keep em clean!!!

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Just wondering if anyone can give me an insight in what to expect re training at newbold.

i did mine long time ago in wakefield . i *believe* the PT side of it has been cut back , it wasnt hard anyway aslong as you have 2 arms and legs C+R is a riot(sic) so you'll enjoy it. academic ? if you can pass the JSAC/entrance exam you will fly it. it is not hard! more of giving you the skills than trying to fail you. the other way to look at it is your gov has paid alot of money to get that far , your not gonna fail. im sure someone will argue the toss but ive NEVER heard of someone being binned for being thick rugby is bit of a trip away in a taxi . bar onsite is good and cheap. just remember walls have eyes\ears so dont fill ya sel full of pop and act the tw@ when i did mine there was no curfew / late book etc etc - you had to be in class by 0830 dead or alive , didnt matter if you stopped out all night enjoy , you will love it

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I'm getting the picture that different shifts have different names

M - 'main' think of it as main part of day - 0730- 1730 , give or take a bit depending on establishment

A - all day ! 0730 - 2100 - same as above - might be variations

E - early - 0730 til dinner time

L - late - dinner time til 2100 ish (see above )

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Please join as we are a friendly bunch of officers here and we will help in any way we can.

I've visited several times as I am in the process of joining HMP. Next step JSAC. I saw your post which prompted me to take the plunge and join in. Thanks to everybody for the help and tipps so far

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Just wondered, how long is the process from start of application to actually starting work ...

Hi, 5 months in total for me. It seems ages at the time, but after you do your JSAC things get moving quickly.

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I was just wondering if there were any tips u guys could give me for the training and with what to expect on my first few days of duty?

You will love your training,just take it easy on the booze when you have C&R in the mornings.The job itself is very rewarding if you want it to be or you can just pick up your paycheck and moan about the job for the next 20 years.
Somedays you win some you lose,all days you have your new mates looking out for ya that is one of the best things about the job.
Watch out for the officers trying to get a rocket jet promotional career they are likely to get you in bother and stay profesional as much of the time as you can it what makes a good screw or a bad one as the case may be.
Remember to wear your POA badge with pride and if you dont think the job is for you after 6 months then leave because it is a good job but it aint worth crying for.

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wondering if anyone could tell me how the shift pattern works

As an officer on the landing you will be working week on week off with all sorts of shifts in the middle to bring you up to a 39 hour week , all nicks are totally different but the normal shifts are something like this

Early 07.00-13.00
Main 07.30-17.30
All day 07.30-21.00

What to wear on the landings , well your right most people wear magnums although guardian angel thinks I probably wear highly polished shoes with hundreds of blakees on the bottom ?

As long as they are boots or shoes, and are polished and are black and comfortable they will do.

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What prisons are recruiting now , and what Telephone number for application forms is there?

Mash has kindly agreed to maintain a static page on the MAIN SITE

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I'd just like to know a few things about the process leading up to being successful or not at becoming a prison officer..im desperate to get in!

Well I believe the cd explains the process but essentially you'll be invited to take the entrance tests which aren't too difficult.

Once you've passed those then you'll do JSAC's which is four role playing scenario's (not prison based).

Again if sucessful it's medical and fitness test which is a 'doddle'.

Finally the background checks.

The process can take up to twelve months though!

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I want to contact the website staff

try the contact page

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I don't like the colour or design of the forums, they look rubbish

there are 9 other colours/ designs to choose from!! just change it oin your profile

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one thing I have been wondering is, what happens if you know an Inmate?

inform your line manager as soon as you find out

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who are the people running this site exactly?

falkor and lapmonkey9 .. click "further info" for more

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how do I upload a photo using photobucket.com?

The following tutorial is a step by step guide on how to upload a single image into your account using the main Photobucket uploader.

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I really believe breakoff is a asset to this site!!!

His advice is good but i must also say the support and encouragement from all the members has been superb breakoff just gives it straight and from a different view which is what this site is all about.

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what's your hobby?

I am partial to a little knitting and needlecraft. The people down the village hall have a great crack when we are on our next assignment of doing the big quilts for charity. It is such a blast.

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Maybe falkor in the future if forum really takes off may introduce chatroom like flashchat

a chatroom will only work

a) if there is a genuine enthusiasm for one, from at least a dozen members

b) if those members let everybody KNOW a couple of days in advance of WHEN the chat day/ time will be each time

SO, how many people actually want a chat room? it' s easily set up

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which TV programme do you really look forward to?

All I can say is Dads Army

Or Hancocks Half Hour

or all of the above.

Even in liquid form they were great

You still can't beat Steptoe & Son!!!

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