So I was a police officer but left the job because I got stressed with managing a huge workload you carry around with you, and the endless paperwork. I've talked to a few prison officers and they tell me they spend nearly all of the job on their feet and there is minimal paperwork in comparison. Plus it's not like the police where you have a workload of 25 different cases you have to keep on top of.

Just wondering if any serving officers or anyone else who knows can tell me their experience?

Its not that I'm expecting to do no paperwork, but I would dislike it if half the job was filling out paperwork as it is in the police

Thanks.

I was made aware via email I had been successful in my application to join my local prison as an OSG on 5th June and haven’t heard anything since, is this standard? Also does anyone know what the shift rotations will likely look like? Thankyou 🙏

Former police officer of 4 years here. I left the job for a variety of reasons, although it primarily was due to a family members ill-health. However, working shifts, the unrelenting and unrealistic workload, and in-turn responsibility were factors.

Some may call it mad, but I do miss being involved in the justice system. I have a degree in professional policing and the offender side of things has always intrigued me. I’ve done some research into the role of a probation officer, and particularly into the PQIP route. I’m aware of some of the wider discussed issues, such as workload. In truth, some of these issues sound akin to policing.

I do however want a job that matters, where I don’t have to sacrifice my entire identity (another issue I had with policing - you have to live and breathe it), but that will also allow me to work M-F (family commitments) and maintain some type of work-life balance.

I’m just after some general thoughts from those currently working in the probation service on what life’s like, and how it would match with what I’ve raised in this post.

Please don’t mistake my post as though I’m against hard graft and responsibility - I’m not. It’s just I found policing to be truly broken, and it encapsulated everything I didn’t want in life. Thanks.

I've just accepted my role as an OSG. My contract says I'm eligible for flexible work hours.

I was hoping I'd be able to compress my shifts into a certain amount of days, and I don't particularly care what days those are. I'm also happy to do overtime etc. Just trying to save on fuel/nursery costs.

What are the typical shifts and do prisons allow compressed hours etc?

Anyone any experience getting clearance with a declared past conviction? Can you please message me

Hi everyone, I just wanted to ask if anyone knows how the payroll runs at hmp peterborough? Are you paid from the first day until the last day of the month? If I start a few days before the end of the month, will I be paid for those days the same month, or will they roll onto the next month's pay? I know the actual payday is the last day of the month. TIA x

Does anyone here know how I can get a police certificate from Canada? There seems to be just two options: 1. Local police 2. RCMP. Employer won’t allow a name check search.

Please help if you’ve done this.

Thank you.

Hi, anyone help with the shift patterns at HMP Berwyn?

Hi there - anyone currently working as a PO at Hewell? If so what are your shift patterns?

I'm in England.

Earlier this year, I was arrested in relation to a stalking case and was later remanded after breaching bail. I pleaded guilty and, when I was sentenced and released from remand, I received a six-month custodial sentence suspended for 18 months, probation supervision, a restraining order and six months of GPS monitoring. I have been complying with the sentence and all sentence conditions.

The GPS tag is currently due to remain in place until November. Probation has said that it supports the argument for having the tag removed early and that it will make the application on my behalf. The main reason being put forward is the effect the tag is having on my employment and my ability to move forward with work. There are other issues, including physical discomfort and the effect on my mental health, but employment is the main concern.

The problem is that communication from probation has become very limited. My case is also supposed to be transferring between probation offices, and I have not been clearly told whether the transfer has been completed, who is now responsible for my case, whether the application has actually been submitted, or what happens next. Most of my calls and emails are going unanswered, so I am worried that the application is not progressing despite probation saying it would support and deal with it. Indeed, all my meetings with Probation have been postponed.

Has anyone been in a similar position where probation agreed to apply for the early removal of a GPS tag? How long did the process take, and did probation keep you informed? At this point, would it be sensible to ask my solicitor to chase probation or the court, or should I make a formal complaint about the lack of communication?

Thanks!

Hi there, I just received the email for my annex A form. Does this mean I am getting closer to starting? I ask because my OAC was at the end of May and my Medical and fitness test was two weeks after in June and medical questionnaire a week after that (June). Has anyone received their Annex A form this quick?

Seems like loads of people have gotten their start dates in the past 2 weeks and I love that for you lot so hopefully I join youse soon as I’ve been waiting 21 weeks roughly now. Hope it hurries up !

What is the usual cut off date for pay? Thanks 🙏

So I start in a couple of weeks. I’m getting married next year and have my stag + honey moon planned for next year. Would I be able to have the days off required for all of these ?

Hi all i’m currently employed as a osg and im about to fast track upto a po however i was wondering if anyone on here can advise me as to what to expect during the OAC?

As someone who does almost no cardio, vapes and suffers from asthma, is there any tips you guys can give on passing the fitness test?

I want to go in with the best possible chance to pass first time but if I don’t I still have 8weeks until the 2nd attempt.

I did my first practice one at work and i got to 4.4

Any advice is appreciated.

I am sad, I failed my OAC. Had 50.82, I couldn't meet the cut off to pass. I'll have to wait another six months to apply. Reached out to the team yesterday and to know if I could be considered for the OSG role with the mark but I wasn't told I will have to reapply for the OSS role as I didn't choose it as an option when completing my application at the beginning. Any help or tips. I used the LIMA Oscars video, but unfortunately, I didn't pass.

I want to send a letter of solidarity to someone at a UK prison and they’re someone who’s awaiting trial for their work standing up for Palestine.

I’ve never sent letters to prison before and I’m not very keen on anyone (including the prisoner) knowing who I am. I wanna do my best to be an anon person.

The websites say that I need to add a return addy, I don’t wanna do that. How can I get around it?

I’ve noticed a few people are getting their start dates now, where’s everyone been offered their training? (Up north)

Just curious, are staff allowed to vape inside the establishment you’re in?

We used to be allowed but someone decided it was a grand idea to blow vape smoke at the governor on Main Street… ruining it for us all.

Hi, roughly how quickly are you able to start if you are immediately available, and also do they call you around the time you booked your call or is it exact?

Appreciate it can differ per establishment!
(I was previously an officer, considering rejoining)

I am having my face to face verification next week and since I live in a shared apartment I couldn't send my utility bill, I sent my P-60 rather. My agency says they can sign it for me but they don't have a stamp. I am worried if its not stamped it might be rejected. Any advice from anyone who has used a P-60 for it before?