21 PRISON OFFICER 
Interview Answers!
(Hiring Manager Approved™)

Becoming a Prison Officer in the UK is both challenging and rewarding. Many people are curious about what a typical day looks like inside a prison. While no two days are ever the same, the role of a Prison Officer follows a structured routine designed to maintain safety, order, and rehabilitation within the prison environment.

Morning Briefing and Roll Call

A Prison Officer’s day usually begins early with a morning briefing. Officers are updated on any incidents from the previous shift, changes in prisoner status, and daily priorities. After this, officers conduct roll calls and headcounts to ensure all prisoners are accounted for. Accuracy is critical—safeguarding and security depend on it.

Unlocking and Daily Routines

One of the first main duties of a UK Prison Officer is unlocking prisoners from their cells. This process requires vigilance, awareness, and professionalism at all times. Officers then supervise breakfast, medication rounds, and prisoner movements to work, education, or exercise. This stage of the day sets the tone and requires strong communication skills to defuse tension and encourage positive behaviour.

Supervision and Rehabilitation

Throughout the day, Prison Officers balance security with rehabilitation. This involves supervising workshops, classrooms, or gym sessions where prisoners are encouraged to learn skills, gain qualifications, and prepare for release. Officers must remain alert while also building professional relationships that support rehabilitation and reduce the risk of reoffending.

Maintaining Safety and Security

Safety is always the top priority. Officers conduct cell searches, monitor CCTV, and perform security checks to prevent contraband from entering the prison. They must also be prepared to deal with challenging behaviour, conflict, or medical emergencies. Teamwork is essential. Prison Officers rely on each other to keep staff, prisoners, and visitors safe.

Evening Lock-Up and Reporting

At the end of the day, prisoners are locked back in their cells for the evening. Officers then complete paperwork, incident reports, and handover notes for the next shift. Accuracy and attention to detail are vital, as this information ensures smooth operations and accountability.

A Demanding but Rewarding Career

A day in the life of a UK Prison Officer is demanding, varied, and unpredictable. It requires resilience, integrity, and a calm approach under pressure. Despite the challenges, many officers describe the career as highly rewarding, knowing they play a vital role in protecting the public and helping offenders turn their lives around.