The main responsibility of prison officers is to keep securely in prison people who have been sentenced by the courts. While there, prison officers try to build positive relationships with prisoners to help them lead law-abiding lives after they are released and to support them through rehabilitation programmes.
Prisons have different levels of security, ranging from open conditions to high security. In an open prison, prisoners may leave the prison on licence for short periods, either to go to work or to visit their families. They are monitored by a mentor under this arrangement. The work of a prison officer varies according to the type of prison, the age and gender of prisoners, and the level of security required.
The job usually involves:
- supervising the everyday activities of prisoners, such as meals, showers or exercise
- settling in new prisoners when they arrive
- carrying out searches and security checks
- escorting prisoners from one part of the prison to another
- administering correct physical control and restraint procedures when required
- upholding respect for prisoners and their property, rights and dignity
- looking out for and helping prisoners who may try to harm themselves and others
- writing accurate reports when incidents occur
- liaising closely with colleagues and management staff.
In addition to working with prisoners, prison officers also make sure visitors understand and follow the security procedures. The job also involves some administration, completing forms and writing reports.
Prison officers rotate roles in prison and they may be operating in reception or on one of the wings where prisoners are housed. These duties may change from time to time to give them experience of all aspects of work in a prison. Some experienced prison officers may apply for specialist roles, such as physical education instructor or dog handler.
Senior officers supervise and support junior staff through their training and may be responsible for individual prison sections.
Prison officers work on average 39 hours a week. They are expected to work a variety of shifts, including nights, weekends and some long days. Some officers work set hours each week, while others work a rolling shift pattern. Job share and part-time work is available.
Most work is indoors. The working environment varies considerably, from old buildings to refurbished or modern complexes. Some outdoor work is required, such as patrolling the prison grounds or supervising exercise and recreation. Officers may be outdoors in all weather conditions.
All prison officers wear a uniform.
Occasional travel to another prison, or to escort prisoners to court appearances or for hospital visits may be required.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
- New prison officers earn around €96,000 a year.
- The salary for a senior prison officer may be around €33,654.
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