My life as a prison officer: ‘It wasn’t just the smell that hit you. It was the noise’
Mar 21, 2025
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Alex South, a former prison officer and author, shares his gripping insights into life behind bars. He highlights the overwhelming sensory experiences and emotional toll of the job. South discusses the troubling reality of acutely mentally ill inmates in segregation units, revealing how both inmates and prison staff struggle in such chaotic environments. He emphasizes systemic failures that lead to violence and overcrowding, calling for urgent reforms in the prison system. His candid anecdotes shed light on a world many rarely see.
The urgent need for improved mental health care in prisons is highlighted by inmates suffering from severe mental illness often placed inappropriately in segregation units.
Overcrowding and staffing shortages in prisons exacerbate violence and chaos, posing significant safety risks for both inmates and correctional staff.
Deep dives
Life Inside the Segregation Unit
Working as a prison officer in a segregation unit presents unique challenges, which often entail dealing with individuals grappling with severe mental health issues. One poignant example involves a mentally ill prisoner who had caused chaos within his cell, believing he was a target of brain implants. This incident reflects a broader concern within the prison system, where reports indicate that mentally ill inmates frequently experience extended waits for appropriate medical care, sometimes spending months in inappropriate environments. The crisis emphasizes the urgency for a more effective mental health care strategy within prison systems, contrasting with the overcrowded facilities where individuals like this prisoner are left without the support they truly need.
The Effects of Overcrowding and Staffing Shortages
Overcrowding and staffing shortages are pressing issues within the prison system, leading to increased violence and chaos for both inmates and staff. The average prison's capacity often reaches dangerous levels, resulting in early releases that do not address the underlying problems of rehabilitation and safety. Reports show alarming increases in assaults on officers and inmate suicides, creating a precarious atmosphere for those working on the front lines. With staff members often overwhelmed and undertrained, the shortage of experienced prison officers exacerbates tensions, putting everyone in the facility at greater risk.
The Paradox of Prison Life
The complexities of rehabilitation in prisons reveal a troubling paradox, where individuals like prisoners must navigate an environment often devoid of hope or resources. Over years of dealing with inmates who are both reviled and pitied due to their circumstances, officers face a moral dilemma, especially when individuals exhibiting erratic behaviors resist help. One notable case is that of a prisoner who resorted to self-harm and destructive behavior, illustrating the dire need for appropriate mental health interventions rather than punitive isolation. This calls into question the effectiveness of the current prison system, emphasizing that true reform requires systemic changes that prioritize mental health and adequately support both inmates and staff.
I saw first hand how prisons are having to use segregation units for acutely mentally ill inmates who should not be in prison at all Written and read by Alex South. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod
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