It is big business, and members of organised gangs are apparently applying for jobs within prisons, in order to increase business.

There must be a full psychological assessment to consider pro criminal behaviour/attitudes, any contact with associates, substance misuse, accommodation, employability, or education issues.

If the test for dangerousness has not been properly applied, then awarding this sentence is totally unjust.

Cat D prisons are already being packed with prisoners who are unsuitable.for open conditions just to make the numbers fit.

The real reason for wanting more use of Open prisons is to further reduce staffing levels, it’s all smoke screens !!!!

The government are definitely working at the wrong end of a major problem in our prisons. A review of sentencing policies and dealing with the backlog through the court process is a priority. Throwing money towards building new prison spaces is a complete waste.

One of the most difficult aspect of a prison officers role was to develop a prisoners trust and confidence, but then having to conduct a strip search, particularly on people who had suffered abuse in their lives.

Never an easy task but part of the job description .

A great guide for those entering the prison system. Centred on not just the practical aspects of prison life but most importantly developing a positive attitude in what can be the most toxic, tough environment.

Thank you, I was fortunate/privileged to have been allowed to form good solid relationships with prisoners and their families, and was never compromised.

Treating people with fairness and respect despite their crimes was always something I strived to do. Your experience is so familiar to me.

Yes David, exactly that.The prison service moved from person centred models of treatment to a “ one size fits all” approach.

My foundation was in Transactional Analysis and Psychodrama, but my focus was always on what life outside will look like for those facing release.

Having worked for many years in a prison therapeutic, in groups and individual therapy. Much of the science was fundamentally flawed, and the push for accredited coursework, with a classroom mentality destroyed a valuable facility and hence the therapy is no longer voluntary.

People being released from prison need to know that they have a place back in society. Hope is developed through good rehabilitation and currently prisons are struggling to provide sufficient motivation. The divide between prisoners and their custodians has never been wider than it is today.