Unsung Heroes: Prison Officers
Andy Gullick FIEP
Award winning Entrepreneur, Founder & Chief Executive of RIFT Social Enterprise, supporting people across the UK to achieve their dream of becoming self-employed.
In the shadows of our society, there are unsung heroes who perform an incredible and brave job day in and day out. ?
Prison Officers work tirelessly to maintain order and safety within the walls of the UK’s prisons. Despite their essential role in upholding justice and ensuring public safety, Prison Officers are often underappreciated and underpaid. This blog aims to shed light on the challenges they face, the vital work they do, and the urgent need for greater recognition and support.
The Unseen Challenges:
Prison Officers are entrusted with the responsibility of managing some of society's most dangerous and unpredictable individuals. They face a myriad of challenges every day, including ensuring the safety of both inmates and their fellow officers, maintaining discipline, and preventing violent incidents. They witness events that most of us could not even comprehend. This demanding job takes a significant toll on their mental and physical well-being, yet they remain resilient, showing unparalleled dedication to their duty.
The Legal Barrier:
One of the most frustrating aspects of being a Prison Officer in the UK is the restriction on their right to strike. While striking is an important tool for workers to negotiate fair wages and better working conditions, Prison Officers are legally prohibited from taking this action. This limitation leaves them with little leverage to advocate for improvements in their working conditions, pay, and benefits, further exacerbating their struggle to be heard. The general public don’t shine on light on the work that takes place behind the prison walls; as long as the inmates on the other side of the prison walls are safely locked up and no longer pose a risk to the community, why should anyone be interested in how this is done?
The Silent Sacrifice:
While the general public may be quick to criticise Prison Officers when incidents occur behind bars, few truly comprehend the gravity of their sacrifice. They endure high-stress environments, often working long hours and sacrificing time with their families, all in the service of maintaining public safety. I believe that it is time for society to recognise the silent sacrifices they make and the tremendous value they bring to our communities.
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The Call for Greater Awareness:
Raising awareness about the remarkable work of Prison Officers is crucial in shaping public perception. Greater awareness can dispel misconceptions and highlight the critical role they play in the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates back into society. It's time to acknowledge that their tireless efforts contribute significantly to reducing reoffending rates and ultimately creating safer communities for everyone.
A Plea for Fair Compensation:
Considering the immense challenges they face, it is disheartening to see that Prison Officers are often inadequately compensated for their dedication and hard work. Fair pay and benefits are not just a matter of monetary reward but a reflection of the value society places on these essential professionals. By providing them with better compensation, we demonstrate that we recognise and appreciate their sacrifices.?
But it’s not just about fairer pay, it’s about awareness-raising and promoting a culture of greater appreciation and recognition of the tough working environment that they operate in, day in, day out. It’s one of the toughest jobs one could choose to build a career in, but can be just as rewarding.
Conclusion:
The extraordinary and brave work of Prison Officers in the UK must no longer go unnoticed or undervalued. They dedicate their lives to safeguarding society, and it is time for us to reciprocate by advocating for better recognition, pay, and benefits. By raising awareness and initiating conversations, we can help ensure that Prison Officers receive the appreciation and support they truly deserve. Together, let us shine a light on these unsung heroes and give them the respect they have earned.
This is a fair reflection Andy Gullick FIEP, most people don't have any idea about working within the walls unless there is a rogue officer that brings the service into disrepute.
First Aid Instructor at HMP Low Newton
1 年Excellent article, we’re emergency workers if we get assaulted and it’s in the “public interest” to prosecute the perpetrators but then called civil servants when it comes to our retirement age!!! We have an “independent” pay review body which recommends any pay rises after following a remit letter from the government which dictates what the government says!! They recommend progress on pay increments and call them pay rises and now refuse to award any pay rises to the most experienced staff on closed terms! And people wonder why they recruit 4 staff to keep 1, staff continue to leave for work in other sectors and those who staff are demoralised and stressed and feel let down by a service and government who clap them in times of crisis and then treat them disgracefully at any other time!!! Staff shortages in every prison and now expect staff to work in other prisons on compulsory detached duty for months at a time ( it’s coming soon as there’s not enough volunteers).
Vocational Support Officer at Department of Justice
1 年So very true! Especially the sacrifices made!
Retired
1 年This is a good article. So much more could be said about the Correctional Officer and their silent sacrifices. It goes beyond the immediate stressful position within a facility to their relationships with friends and families extending to the general public. The sacrifices creep into their life expectancy upon retirement and their overall general mental and physical health. BUT let’s not forget the important sacrifices of those that stand beside and behind the Officers….. their loved ones. Their sufferings are never mentioned or thought of when it comes to the changes in the officer, unfair compensation for them causing them to go full time, or the children.
Head of Business and Enterprise at RIFT Social Enterprise | Trustee for Launch It Kent
1 年What a fab read.