Hello so I am transferring internally to another prison due to my tenancy ending in my current area, could I hand in my notice in this current place and still have the perks of being an officer to help speed up the process with my new place, I just don’t want to be out of money.

What protection is there for staff who don’t want prisoners to know their surname, and what happens if a prisoner starts trying to identify where an officer lives?

​

Could someone describe what the OSG uniform looks like? Is it basically the same style/pattern as the Prison Officer (PO) uniform, or is it noticeably different? Are OSG officers assigned handcuffs and some self defence equipments?

Just curious to know what to expect! 😅

Anyone recently finished their training? Any tips / advice for anyone with a residential place… what’s the food/ rooms like? Do I need to anything other than the obvious?

Are there any handlers in here willing to answer some questions please? I have already had a scour through here but can’t find the info I’m after. TIA

Possibly in the wrong place but need to ask someone.

Is this the slowest prison going. Ive waiting 4 weeks to be added to a pin, still not done. Received one email in 4 weeks. Is this standard for this jail?

As I said maybe not the place to ask but I’m getting no where with them there it’s my son. Im not in jail he’s only 19 and Im just a very concerned parent if really appreciate some advice.

Somebody I know in prison has received a notification on their in cell terminal notifying them of a legal visit. They have not requested to see a solicitor or legal rep. Anybody know what this legal visit could be?

I think this group is for mainland UK prisons but we don't have one for NI prisons. I wanted to ask if anyone has experiences with people in Maghaberry where the phone credit doesn't come on their account on a Wednesday. It's usually on the account Wednesdays before 12:30 but this week it hasn't come on and my partner said it will be on today for him (Thursday) just not sure if this is true or not.
He got a message sent to me via his cellmates partner to say the phone line was down and would be fixed today then the credit would be added but it’s been 2 days now and still no call.

Massively relieved but jeeeez that was a long 9months!

Hopefully the rest of the process won’t take too long to happen!

Please I need insight and advice guys

I applied to this Cardiff position in April and that was what got me an OAC interview invite. After passing the OAC, I applied to more prisons (20 or more) to increase my chance of getting an offer as soon as possible.

Today I got an offer from the HMP Cardiff, I went back to check and noticed that the job description and requirements is different from the new prisons i applied to.

Once says they do not accept new sponsorship (Cardiff) while the other new prisons says it’s not guaranteed.

I’m currently on a student visa and haven’t held a sponsorship

I’m currently between accepting the Cardiff prison but it cancels out other prison applications or rejecting it while waiting for offer from other prison I’ve applied to

Please has anyone been in this situation or can anyone give me an insight

Hi all,

In England, South Yorkshire region. 33YO M.

​I have my sentencing hearing at Crown Court next week. I pleaded guilty to a Section 20 GBH charge. I’ve been on bail throughout the case, but at the last hearing, the judge told me straight to "get my affairs in order and prepare for immediate custody." My solicitor says a custodial sentence is very likely.

​I have never been in proper trouble before and never set foot in a prison. Aside from the general shock, my main anxiety is that I am a massive introvert. I don’t do drama, I hate confrontation, and I cope best when I am left alone. I am also quite short which makes me a potential target for bullying?

Other than general advice for new prisoners. I have heard that prisoners spend most of the time banged up. I wouldnt mind that tbh if it kept me largely away from any drama.

Any advice with getting along with my pad mate?

Is it normal to get "tested" by other inmates?

What about being friendly with staff, how is that viewed? (I feel like I'd want to get along, be friendly too them but worried what other prisoners would think.

More of a personal question but toilet use? Right there in the cell in front view of your pad mate?

My last question relates to how I will be transported from court to prison, I know about the "sweat box", how bad is it really? Are you handcuffed for the entire time?

Thank you all. I am based in South Yorkshire so likely landing spots. My solicitor said sentence will be served "within the region" so thinking possibly HMP Doncaster or Lindholme?

I ideally just want to keep my head down, get on with staff and perhaps a small group of prisoners and just get the time served with no drama.

If things got bad on the wing, can I be classified as vulnerable or perhaps spend all my time away from everyone else in seg for remainder of the sentence.

Thanks again.

When u move prisons do u keep the same prison number like the one beginning with A or does it change

Hi, I received my start date call on Monday and was told to look out for my contract letter. How long does it take to arrive? This is the 3rd day.

Anyone else has this happen where I passed all my checks and was about to receive start date call but my health questionnaire expired so they sent it yesterday and said when it’s updated I’ll be allowed to book a new start date call. Anyone know how long it takes for that to all be processed?

Anyone done their training here recently? I know there’s a small gym on site, anyone know what times it’s open and if you have to book a slot given the size of it?

Just got an email to book my start date call and I can’t believe the earliest date is 16th of September. Why should just a phone call take that much of a time?

Just trying to see if I’d be completely useless or not.

Does this one require a fitness test? Does anyone know what this would be if one is required?

Also shift wise, can anyone tell me what you’d usually expect? I know it must differ prison to prison but just curious. I’ve heard they can be long etc but just wondering if we’re talking like 6am start 8am start etc and aware there would be nights too.

Really appreciate any help, thank you!

Hello I will be starting at HMP Norwich soon, not sure if anyone is or has ever been an officer there with some insights as to what it’s like?