The author reflects on their experiences as a prison officer in England and Wales, highlighting the systemic problems that perpetuate violence and harm within the prison system. They describe the emotional toll of working in prisons, including the traumatic events they witnessed, such as murders, assaults, and suicides.
The author criticizes the government's response to these issues, arguing that it has failed to address the root causes of violence and neglects to provide adequate support for frontline staff. They point out the absurdity of plans to build large prisons with poor conditions, while also cutting spending on education in prisons and relying on online training for recruitment.
The author expresses relief at leaving the prison system behind but feels bitterness towards the government's actions. They lament the fact that many prisoners are not given the opportunity to rehabilitate themselves through programs like education and counseling.
Despite the challenges, the author notes that there have been instances of prisoners coming together and finding ways to coexist peacefully. They highlight the importance of providing prisoners with meaningful activities, such as education and sports, to reduce violence and promote rehabilitation.
The article concludes by emphasizing the need for systemic change within the prison system. The author believes that violence is not inevitable and that with proper support and resources, prisoners can be transformed through education and rehabilitation programs.
Some key points from the article include:
* The government's response to prison violence has been inadequate.
* Frontline staff are often unsupported and undertrained.
* Plans to build large prisons with poor conditions have been proposed.
* Education in prisons is being cut, despite its importance for rehabilitation.
* Prisoners can find ways to coexist peacefully through programs like education and counseling.
The author criticizes the government's response to these issues, arguing that it has failed to address the root causes of violence and neglects to provide adequate support for frontline staff. They point out the absurdity of plans to build large prisons with poor conditions, while also cutting spending on education in prisons and relying on online training for recruitment.
The author expresses relief at leaving the prison system behind but feels bitterness towards the government's actions. They lament the fact that many prisoners are not given the opportunity to rehabilitate themselves through programs like education and counseling.
Despite the challenges, the author notes that there have been instances of prisoners coming together and finding ways to coexist peacefully. They highlight the importance of providing prisoners with meaningful activities, such as education and sports, to reduce violence and promote rehabilitation.
The article concludes by emphasizing the need for systemic change within the prison system. The author believes that violence is not inevitable and that with proper support and resources, prisoners can be transformed through education and rehabilitation programs.
Some key points from the article include:
* The government's response to prison violence has been inadequate.
* Frontline staff are often unsupported and undertrained.
* Plans to build large prisons with poor conditions have been proposed.
* Education in prisons is being cut, despite its importance for rehabilitation.
* Prisoners can find ways to coexist peacefully through programs like education and counseling.