What Does a Prison Officer Do? Pay, Shifts, and Entry Requirements

Thinking of applying for a prison officer job? Not sure if it’s right for you.

It might not be the most glamorous job in the world but being a prison officer comes with some serious benefits as well as some major responsibilities. Before you start the application process it’s best to be thorough in your research and really consider whether or not it’s a job you think you could thrive in.

In this article we’ll be covering the basics. We’ll be discussing the hours, the pay, the skills, and the experience you’ll need to be accepted.

Working As a Prison Officer

Prison officer duties generally involve maintaining security, supervising prisoners, enforcing rules, and supporting rehabilitation. Some of this is administrative – writing reports and keeping logs – but there’s also a strong interpersonal element. A good prison officer helps prisoners prepare for life in the outside world encouraging thoughtful and meaningful development. It’s hard work but it’s incredibly rewarding and you’ll often get the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.

As for prison officer shifts, you’ll generally be working standard 8 hour shifts although the time is usually in rotation between day and night. You’ll have to be okay with a varying sleep pattern. Contracts generally start at 37 hours per week moving up to 39 or 41 upon completion of training.

Prison Officer Starting Salary

Prison officer pay in the UK is fairly lucrative. Entry-level officers can expect to make anywhere from £33,746 to £44,474 depending on location and hours per week. As you gain more experience it’s also possible to move up into management, first becoming a Custodial Manager and then a Senior Manager. Pay for Senior Managers caps out at £61,003.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Prison Officer?

If you want to become a prison officer in the UK then your first step should be to make sure you’re in shape both physically and mentally. It’s a very demanding job so you’ll need to be able to pass a physical fitness test. You’ll also need to be ready and able to deal with stressful and traumatic situations that could arise.

Applicants also need to be over the age of 18. Most prisons are in rural areas so it’s important that you can handle transport. If you don’t drive, then you’ll be responsible for checking in advance that public transport times can match the hours you’ll be starting and finishing. You’ll also be responsible for paying any and all travel costs.

Assuming you meet the requirements, you can expect around 6 to 7 months between application and your first day on the job although this can vary a little depending on your assessment date. There will also be some background checks.

With all that said, UK prisons don’t expect you to have the world’s longest CV. They care far more about your attitude and your ability to do the job. People come to the job from all kinds of directions. Some have a background in policing but others are fresh out of school or even transferring from completely different disciplines. It’s really not a concern.

You’ll be asked to carry out some online tests before starting one of which is scenario based. This is basically an assessment of your decision making.

Is Being a Prison Officer Dangerous?

There are many benefits to being a prison officer but it goes without saying that there is some measure of risk involved. That’s part of why you’re expected to be physically and mentally fit.

At the same time, teamwork is really core to being a prison officer. When you join you’ll have the full support of those around you and you’ll be expected to offer that support in return. There are also procedures in place to ensure safety and learning to follow those procedures with care and diligence is a major part of the job.