Female prison officers reveal what it's like to work on 'chaotic and unpredictable' wings

They warned it was "not a job for everyone", and a "thick skin" was needed, however they said the camaraderie was "second to none"

Female prison officers described working in a "chaotic and unpredictable environment" as "daunting", and even "scary" at times. They warned it was "not a job for everyone", and a "thick skin" was needed, however they said the camaraderie was "second to none".

Life on the wings was sometimes "challenging", and some facilities were described as being "like war zones", but most said they took a "firm but fair" approach and built up "positive relationships" with inmates. One officer revealed she'd been assaulted and had to "deal with some not very nice things" but admitted the good days outweighed the bad.

Perks of the job included "plenty of overtime" opportunities and the chance to develop "interpersonal and conflict resolution skills". Another officer admitted she'd "never laughed so much" working elsewhere.

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The prison officers shared the insight on a Mumsnet thread, where a woman asked for advice before applying for a position in a men's prison. The user said those around her had been putting her off and "laughing at the thought of me doing it because I'm not some big, tough, intimidating man".

She said she'd "worked in 'challenging' situations before" and knew it was "out of most people's comfort zones" but was keen to "go in there with the intention of supporting and helping the prisoners". After asking fellow forum users whether she should continue her application, many gave her food for thought as they outlined the pros and cons.

One replied: "It isn't a job for everyone. It can be very challenging, not just the prisoners but management as well. You will develop great interpersonal skills and managing conflict and conflict resolution skills. I would say that shift work doesn't suit everybody's home situation or social life, so keep that in mind.

"In my work there is always plenty of overtime on offer for those that want it so easily able to increase pay. Last year my gross pay was probably about £10k above my base pay and I don't do anywhere near as many extra hours as some of my colleagues. Another consideration for you, is that there is violence towards prison officers, however, it is less towards women, in my experience."

Another said: "I'm 53, female, and I'm in my 29th year as an officer in a male Cat A prison. Yes it's daunting at first but I found if you give as good as you get, are firm but fair, and don't get offended easily you're halfway there. You'll be better off in a high security establishment as we have a hell of a lot more staff than local prisons so are a safer environment. The camaraderie is second to none but you will need a thick skin. It's not the job for everyone but you never know until you try."

A third chipped in: "I have been assaulted and had to deal with some not very nice things but that is not as often as the good days for me, which is why I am still there."

A fourth said: "It depends on the prison. I have worked in several. Some are like war zones. Others are totally different, with the prisoners and prison officers all feeling like they are on the same side. Of course there are bad moments, but in general, where I am now, prison officers are kind and caring, and prisoners are responsive to them. This is a cat A prison. I think being somewhere where prisoners stay long term is helpful in building up positive relationships."

Although they admitted there were "a few scary moments", another said: "I've never laughed so much as I have in this job! A few scary moments but you will find your way."

Another said: "I work in a non-operational role in a cat B men's reception prison, and I have to say it's the best job ever. I love working in a prison, despite it being one of the most chaotic and unpredictable environments ever! We have loads of female officers, and they all do brilliantly. It's all about the attitude, no need to be confrontational. If you go in with a good mindset and attitude toward the prisoners, treat them like people whilst enforcing the rules, then you'll do well."