Sometimes it's too small a world

[Garry Edwards]

A close relative lives in a seaside town and works as a prison officer in a young offender's institution about 50 miles from his home.

A few weeks ago there was a young man, arrested for burglary, in there on remand. He later got bail.

Prison officer was getting into his car with his family one day when young man called out to him and asked him whether he worked at this young offender's institution. It turns out he lives nearly opposite, has an older brother who is also a professional thief and a 9 year old brother who goes to the same school as prison officer's young daughter, young daughter at this time used to go to his home to play.

Young man then committed further burglaries whilst on bail, was arrested and battered 2 police officers. Then convicted and returned to young offender's institution, he will stay there until he is 18 and will then be moved to an adult prison to complete his sentence.
He then spoke to the prison officer and pointed out that he knows his family and where he lives.
Prison officer reported it immediately and was simply told to file a report.
He is obviously now very vulnerable to pressure and believes that his wife and children are at risk, so he asked what could be done. Answer: Nothing, unless the inmate makes overt threats, in which case either one of them could be transferred elsewhere.

This is an impossible situation for the prison officer, his family is far more important to him than his job, but despite the acute shortage of prison officers, jobs are scarce.

 

[tom24]

Look after their own? No chance, i was on duty one nightshift in when i heard discussion about the local Police Office which i stayed next to being watched for an alleged arson attack.
My wife and 2 young daughters were of course in bed,no-one told me of this, my advice is for him to note everything,it probably is empty threats,i had plenty too but it's a pain for all the family.
I've been followed too at times but of course that doesn't merit much of an offence that can be proven to mean anything.

 

[Garry Edwards]

Well, I think that they do need to look after their own, he is now in a very vulnerable position where he can be threatened and blackmailed.
Also, many (most?) of these youngsters try to increase their status by violence and prison officers have to deal with that violence.

If they won't move either him or the inmate then he will have to decide whether to place his family in danger or quit his job.

 

[big soft moose]

The answer hes looking for is 'likewise son... and if anything happens to mine i'll know where to come looking won't I "

The prison officer might be vulnerable, but the prisoner is considerably more so

 

[Garry Edwards]

The answer hes looking for is 'likewise son... and if anything happens to mine i'll know where to come looking won't I "

The prison officer might be vulnerable, but the prisoner is considerably more so

Except that, by definition, a prison officer behaves impeccably and will be held accountable for his actions if he crosses the line. Prison officers are sworn, and hold the office of Constable whilst on duty. Unlike Constables in the outside world, everything is recorded on multiple CCTV cameras.

 

[big soft moose]

Except that, by definition, a prison officer behaves impeccably and will be held accountable for his actions if he crosses the line. Prison officers are sworn, and hold the office of Constable whilst on duty. Unlike Constables in the outside world, everything is recorded on multiple CCTV cameras.

And i'm sure inmates never fall in the showers, or down stairs etc...