Now Ye're Talking - to a Prison Officer

Dav · 25-11-2014 3:13pm #1

Well, here we go with our first "official" AMA on Boards. I'd like to introduce you all to Omackeral who is an Irish Prison Officer and who has signed up for your questions. I'll leave it to him to share some details about himself.

Enjoy!

davo2001 · 25-11-2014 3:18pm

What prison do you work in? (if you can say).

Do you agree with how well murders and criminal in general are treated in prison in this country? ie: TV in rooms, short sentences for horrible crimes etc.

SteelyDanJalapeno · 25-11-2014 3:19pm

Are some prisons like hotels?

GLaDOS · 25-11-2014 3:23pm

Has an inmate ever attempted to assault you?

easygoing1982 · 25-11-2014 3:25pm

Is it possible to join the Prison service without a leaving cert. Are they actively recruiting at the moment

otron · 25-11-2014 3:25pm

Is it true that Heroin is what 'keeps the lid on the place' and as such, the guards tolerate it, turning a blind eye to those smuggling it in?

NormalBob Ubiquitypants · 25-11-2014 3:28pm

Fran...pool cue... Really?

fatherted1969 · 25-11-2014 3:34pm

How do ye supposedly miss so much stuff smuggled in. Do ye turn a blind eye just to keep the peace

Boom_Bap · 25-11-2014 3:34pm

If American TV has thought me anything, a crook can make a shank out of anything in the clink. Is that something that is common in the Irish prison system?

Triceratops Ballet · 25-11-2014 3:35pm

How do you cope with being in such a negative environment day in day out, do you find it takes a toll on your mental health and our general outlook?

mikemac1 · 25-11-2014 3:37pm

Do Travellers mix or do they keep to themselves?

seamus · 25-11-2014 3:37pm

Do you ever get yourself interested in what people have been jailed for - do you ever find yourself thinking that one prisoner may be "less guilty" than another and giving them more favourable treatment, or do you do your best to keep all that at arms length?

irish_goat · 25-11-2014 3:37pm

Do you worry about people getting released who might live in the same town as you/your family?

RoyalMarine · 25-11-2014 3:41pm

What is required for someone to become a prison officer?
Do you need to have a security background?
Do you need a third level qualification?

What is the salary like?
What are the career prospects like?

Dfmnoc · 25-11-2014 3:41pm

What time is lunch break

Turtyturd · 25-11-2014 4:03pm

How does it feel to constantly read the bullsh*t opinions about what happens in prison from AH posters who clearly have no idea?

Do you think cliques/bullying are still prominent amongst prison staff?

Do you think working full time in a prison instills an us vs them attitude in prison officers?

Standard Toaster · 25-11-2014 4:26pm

I bet you've seen some crazy things. :eek:

How old are you and what made your become a Prison Officer? And for how long?

What the oddest thing you've seen being hidden in an prisoner's "prison purse" (arse)?

Is it hard to treat the prisoner with respect considering some of the crimes they have committed?

Where is Mr Jingles?

What prisoner (if any) has made a lasting impression on you, good or bad?

How common is prison murder? Have you witnessed or been on the scene of a prison murder?

What time is bed time for the prisoners? When do they usually wake?

Do you celebrate Christmas in prison? Or any holidays for that matter? Religious ones too

endacl · 25-11-2014 4:29pm

Minister of Justice for a day, and money no object. What one thing would you change about the place you work?

Honey Monster · 25-11-2014 4:30pm

Have you ever seen anyone playing pool in the showers?

eviltwin · 25-11-2014 4:33pm

In your opinion does prison work? What percentage of prisoners would be offenders ?

SEPT 23 1989 · 25-11-2014 5:22pm

Do you have to limit your social life because of your profession eg are you always watching over your shoulder when you are out and about?

Tar.Aldarion · 25-11-2014 5:25pm

how are inmates able to get so much contraband into prisons?

Do you keep in contact with inmates that have been released since you arrived?

Did you ever meet an inmate who you thought was innocent of the crime they were put away for?

Who's the most memorable inmate you can remember?

Were there ever other officers who abused their power?Do you think the job attracts people who want to be in control at all?
Or any corruption at all?

Were there any times that you feared for your life?

Did you have a favorite inmate/make real good friends with one?

Do you miss any of them in particular? Why if so?

What's the worst thing you've seen happen?

What's the most memorable turn around you witnessed? From someone who seemed a no hoper to somebody with a few prospects. Or were there people made worse by prison moreso?

How severely was the facility impacted by lack of budget?

What happens if in mates ever tried attacking guards? Do they have imaginative ways to hide weapons?

If you could change one thing about how the prison you are at is run what would it be?

What was the weirdest or most surprising thing you found in an inmate's cell?

Do officers get intimated outside work?

Tell me of the inmate you hate most?

Anybody ever escape?

I have a 20 pack of cigarettes, what can i get for them in prison?

Do any of the inmates have outrageous nicknames?

letsgetloud · 25-11-2014 5:29pm

are you going to answer any of these questions ?

KomradeBishop · 25-11-2014 5:40pm

Have any prison officers been caught or suspected of smuggling in drugs or other 'contraband'?

Are there any kind of prejudiced attitudes from prison officers, towards prisoners? (or even specific groups of prisoners, e.g. travellers, addicts?)

If a prisoner is physically violent to a staff member, are they ever retaliated against excessively (more than is needed to restrain them) - or suspected to have been - to dissuade repeat offences or to make an example of them?

Omackeral · 25-11-2014 5:48pm

davo2001 wrote: »

What prison do you work in? (if you can say).

Do you agree with how well murders and criminal in general are treated in prison in this country? ie: TV in rooms, short sentences for horrible crimes etc.

I work in a well known Dublin prison, I'll leave it there but you'll figure it out I'm sure. TV's in cells are the best thing to happen on prisons according to some of the more senior staff. Suicide rates have dropped drastically as the televisions occupy the minds and time of an inmate who is locked behind the door with nothing but his thoughts. The TV keeps him happy/occupied and also gives him something to talk about in the yards etc eg discussion news, sports with others and generally normalises life. If he's behind a door watching a wall, to me, he may as we'll be watching a screen. As for treatment of prisoners, we're not there to punish them, their punishment is loss of liberty. I treat them as I find them. Civil and mannerly until they give me a reason not to, then it's just direct orders.

Omackeral · 25-11-2014 5:56pm

TiltedBrain wrote: »

Are some prisons like hotels?

The Dochas Center ie Mountjoy Females could be compared to a Travelodge in all honesty. For some perspective, it referred to not as a prison but a 'center'. The inmates are called 'women' rather than prisoners and they reside in a 'room' of a 'house' rather than a cell on a landing. All rooms have their own showers and TV's and here's the most surprising fact, the women have their own keys during the day.

Shelton Abbey in Co Wicklow is what's known as an Open Prison and is situated in a nice forest just outside Arklow. It's on lush green grounds and the interior resembles a college dorm or hostel more than a prison. This place is run on an honour system as there is literally a gate the lads can walk out. When you approach you are greeted with a sign saying "Welcome to Shelton Abbey, gate may be closed". May be... In a prison. You couldn't make it up.

In general the hotel thing is exaggerated. Unless people are staying in some seriously dingy spots!

Omackeral · 25-11-2014 5:58pm

ScienceNerd wrote: »

Has an inmate ever attempted to assault you?

Not specifically targeted myself but I have been involved in quote a few altercations including a very serious riot where staff were hospitalised.

Omackeral · 25-11-2014 6:02pm

easygoing1982 wrote: »

Is it possible to join the Prison service without a leaving cert. Are they actively recruiting at the moment

It is. You can get in on relevant 'life experience' in place of a leaving cert. However, the service is gone in a more academic direction since the mid 2000's and all recruits are simultaneous students who will compete a Level 6 FETAC course in Custodial Care throughout their probationary period. The course is done over semesters lasting 2years and involves long distance study. You learn things such as psychology, criminology and legal matters.

The Irish Prison Service (IPS) is not currently recruiting Officers at present but check irishjobs.ie as that's where announcements of future campaigns are posted.

Omackeral · 25-11-2014 6:08pm

otron wrote: »

Is it true that Heroin is what 'keeps the lid on the place' and as such, the guards tolerate it, turning a blind eye to those smuggling it in?

Not these days. That may have been the case under previous regimes but now all prisoners are subject to Mandatory Drug Testing (MDT) and face implications if they fail them. Methadone programmes are also rolled out across the jails as are full detox classes and Narcotics anonymous often visit prisons too. To say there isn't a drug issue would be lying though. Basically, if a prisoner wants to get drugs in jail, he'll get them. Sad but true.

Personally myself, if I caught someone smuggling anything in, I'd in no way turn a blind eye. It undermines your whole job. If I smelled a bit of weed on night duty and a lad is locked up behind the door, I'd probably move on. But that's me.

Omackeral · 25-11-2014 6:09pm

NormalBob Ubiquitypants wrote: »

Fran...pool cue... Really?

Fun fact, those scenes were portrayed as Mountjoy but were actually filmed in Kilmainham Gaol, now a museum. The vists portion was shot in Wheatfield. There were some exterior shots of the Joy though.

Omackeral · 25-11-2014 6:10pm

Michael_Noonan wrote: »

Will you be registering with Irish Water?

Nice try Minister.

Omackeral · 25-11-2014 6:13pm

Boom_Bap wrote: »

If American TV has thought me anything, a crook can make a shank out of anything in the clink. Is that something that is common in the Irish prison system?

Yes. Going back to Love/Hate and the prison scenes, we saw Fran melting a razor blade into a toothbrush. That's exactly what they so. Sometimes they'll use two blades with a match stick separating them do that the weapon will leave a scar that is harder to stitch up, thus leaving permanent scarring. Snooker ball in a sock is another one. That's why all razor blades and snooker balls need to b accounted for at all times in so far as is possible. Other weapons include sharpened plastic from dinner trays, table legs. Basically anything.

Boom_Bap · 25-11-2014 6:18pm

Omackeral wrote: »

Yes. Going back to Love/Hate and the prison scenes, we saw Fran melting a razor blade into a toothbrush. That's exactly what they so. Sometimes they'll use two blades with a match stick separating them do that the weapon will leave a scar that is harder to stitch up, thus leaving permanent scarring. Snooker ball in a sock is another one. That's why all razor blades and snooker balls need to b accounted for at all times in so far as is possible. Other weapons include sharpened plastic from dinner trays, table legs. Basically anything.

Thanks for that.

Another thing that is popularised by American prison TV shows is the whole mentality of with there being no women around, some seek love/intamacy in their fellow inmates. I would suspect that this would be hidden from officers. Is there any truth to this in Irish prisons?

iusedtoknow · 25-11-2014 6:20pm

Have you ever come across a former inmate on the outside? Are you trained for those sort of events? Can't imagine you'd sit and have a pint and talk about old times with them

Omackeral · 25-11-2014 6:20pm

fatherted1969 wrote: »

How do ye supposedly miss so much stuff smuggled in. Do ye turn a blind eye just to keep the peace

There's a multitude of ways that contraband gets in. Secreted internally is a massive one. If a lad knows he's going to jail, he'll stuff himself with pills/drugs/even phones and we may not detect it. Only a doctor can physically examine any orifice. Another method would be throwing over a perimeter wall from outside but now all prisons have nets over the yard. However they get around this by using clever methods such as freezing tablets in ice cubes and firing them up onto the net, when the ice melts, the pills drop trough. Visits is another way contraband makes it in. Not all visits are screened so contact is possible. Anybody found smuggling or attempting to smuggle contraband into a prison will be prosecuted. Officers have even been convicted of smuggling themselves and have faced sentences as a result, and obviously losing their jobs.

Will answer more questions in a while, keep them coming.

Omackeral · 25-11-2014 6:22pm

letsgetloud wrote: »

are you going to answer any of these questions ?

Get this. Im in work. In a prison. Can't have my phone on me til break time.

endacl · 25-11-2014 6:40pm

Omackeral wrote: »

Get this. Im in work. In a prison. Can't have my phone on me til break time.

You could smuggle it in!

:pac:

downonthefarm · 25-11-2014 6:48pm

Who is the most famous or infamous prisoner you dealt with

Benny_Cake · 25-11-2014 6:48pm

Do you still have that incredible health insurance scheme in the prison service? My auld fella was a prison officer - managed to get my teeth fixed through it!

Also, do you think the existing Dublin prisons are fit for purpose? Can they be upgraded, or is a brand new facility needed?

Whosthis · 25-11-2014 6:57pm

Omackeral wrote: »

Get this. Im in work. In a prison. Can't have my phone on me til break time.

Can you not borrow an inmates?

salmocab · 25-11-2014 6:58pm

Do you ever peek behind posters on walls, just in case….

Sheep Lover · 25-11-2014 7:01pm

Is there ever sexual tension between either the inmates and/or inmates and prison officers?

December2012 · 25-11-2014 7:29pm

Did you have to get clearance or an okay from your boss or managers etc to do this AMA? How much are you allowed to talk about your work generally?

Saipanne · 25-11-2014 7:38pm

I have a friend in the prison service in london and he told me a horror story about an attack on a man involving heated liquidated sugar and other chemicals to makeshift some acid to throw in a guys face, has anything like that happened in ireland? What was the worst attack you encountered?

Mar Mar Marmalade · 25-11-2014 7:49pm

Do inmates generally get picked on depending on if they're considered an easy target to others or is it a bit of to each their own compared to that of the so heard viciousness of American prisons.

Omackeral · 25-11-2014 8:01pm

dottie_lottie wrote: »

How do you cope with being in such a negative environment day in day out, do you find it takes a toll on your mental health and our general outlook?

Great question. Prison Officers statistically die younger than a lot of their counterparts across the public sector. I've lost a disproportionate amount of colleagues since I've started. I wouldn't say my mental health has been affected per se but I've often been very tired mentally as well as physically. The odd nightmare here and there too.

From my POV:

- As with any other position, leave your job at the office when you clock out.
-See the positives. You've a stable job, pension. Others don't.
-Keep an active social scene outside of work. The last thing you want to do is talk about prison life with colleagues after you just spent a 12 hour shift in there.
- Don't take any abuse from prisoners to heart. They're probably dealing with pressures themselves.
- There are Staff Support Officers in every prison who are trained to help with any problems or anxiety you have, don't be afraid to engage them.

Omackeral · 25-11-2014 8:08pm

mikemac1 wrote: »

Do Travellers mix or do they keep to themselves?

A bit of both actually. I've never seen them victimised on the basis they're Travellers. Some Travellers fare as well as their settled counterparts and others not as well. Then again, some of them get on brilliantly. One such fella is currently teaching other prisoners to read and write in the evenings.

Foreigners tend to gravitate to each other in my experiences, even lads who don't speak the same mother tongue.

Holsten · 25-11-2014 8:16pm

What is your view on the entire justice system at the moment? Working? Not working?

What do you think about punishment vs rehabilitation.

How many re offenders do you see? Percentage wise.

If you could make any drastic changes what would they be?

Omackeral · 25-11-2014 8:18pm

seamus wrote: »

Do you ever get yourself interested in what people have been jailed for - do you ever find yourself thinking that one prisoner may be "less guilty" than another and giving them more favourable treatment, or do you do your best to keep all that at arms length?

Another good question. I can find out at the click of a button what a fella is in for. I don't really make a distinction though to be honest. I treat them all the same until they give me a reason not too. If a chap is pleasant and courteous on a daily basis to me, then it's not really an issue to me what he's done. Before anyone asks about rapists or pedophiles, I don't deal with them. Sorry if that's a bit vague.

Omackeral · 25-11-2014 8:20pm

irish_goat wrote: »

Do you worry about people getting released who might live in the same town as you/your family?

Nope. Grew up with loads of them (from Dublin myself) so it's not a massive deal. I've bumped into a good few after their release and it's generally a nod of the head and a "how's it going". Was weirder the other way when I first started and saw people I knew from home. Was weird for them too though seeing me!

Luke92 · 25-11-2014 8:22pm

Do you know Kev? Small fat and bald.

Now Ye're Talking - to a Prison Officer

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