Starting out as a prison officer 35 years ago, Dawn progressed up the ranks to governor, a role she’s held in several prisons. She shares her thoughts and reflections on working as a prison officer, how it’s changed over the years, and 5 things worth knowing if you’re thinking of applying.
I will always remember my very first day on the wings – I don’t think it’s something you forget. I was only 21 years old. After completing my 12 weeks training at HMP Wakefield, I was offered a position as a prison officer at HMP Cookham Wood women’s prison (now a Male Young Offenders Institution). At the time, only female prison officers could work in women’s prisons.
I remember getting out of the car on my first day and standing in the staff car park. It was so loud – it was pretty frightening, but unbeknownst to me it was simply just yard time and that was the sound of 50 or so women chatting, laughing and exercising together outside.
Moving on and moving up
After 12 months at HMP Cookham Wood, the rules changed, and women were allowed to work in male prisons. I moved and was one of just two female officers working on the landings at the newly-opened HMP Swaleside. Thankfully there are many more female prison officers these days.
Following that, and other stints at prisons around Kent including HMP Rochester, HMP Dover and HMP Elmley, I was promoted to governor. I transferred to HMP Standford Hill in 2017 to take up the role and was later governor at HMP Elmley and HMP Maidstone.
Changing perceptions
I can understand why people have so many misconceptions about what prisons are like, how they run and what kind of person it takes to be an officer. Prison officers work in a unique environment and the general public don’t often get to see behind the walls of a prison to know what it’s really like.
Here are 5 things worth knowing if you’re considering applying to be a prison officer.
- The role is about so much more than just locking and unlocking doors. Prison officers are everything from mentors and counsellors to first aiders and job advisors. It’s really varied work. Every day is different and a new challenge.
- Prison officers come from all walks of life. The Prison Service is diverse and welcomes applicants from every age, race and gender. In fact, it’s crucial that prison staff reflect prisoner populations as that’s how positive and effective relationships are built. We have a lot of young women coming through the doors now which is great to see. We also have people who have come from the NHS or those who have left the police force or military too.
- You don’t need particular qualifications or experience. I had only 3 GCSEs when I joined the Prison Service. However, I was able to progress my career, work my way up the ladder, and gain promotions by learning on the job and continuing to develop myself at every opportunity.
- Kindness and understanding are two of the most powerful tools you can have at your disposal when working with prisoners and are a key part of the work that officers do.
- You have an opportunity to make a difference. We should always give people a second chance. As a prison officer you have an opportunity to make a difference in vulnerable people’s lives at a time when it matters most.
Find out more and apply today
Visit our website to find out more about what it’s like working as a prison officer and take your first step to a rewarding new career.