flash replacement image

"Would I make a good Prison Officer?"

Before you apply, why don't you take a few moments to complete this short questionnaire which will help you to decide if becoming a Prison Officer could be the right career move for you?

The questionnaire is entirely optional and your results will not be seen by anyone other than yourself, so please be open and honest in your responses so that you get a more accurate prediction of your suitability for the Prison Officer role.

The questionnaire:

For each item please select the response which you feel most accurately applies to you:

1. The majority of Prison Officers are required to work to a shift pattern, which may include early starts, late finishes, night shifts and some weekend working.

2. Although prisons are usually calm and controlled environments, very occasionally some prisoners can be volatile and Prison Officers need to be able to deal with conflict in an appropriate manner.

3. Prison Officers need to work with a wide variety of people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

4. When working as a Prison Officer, it is important not to judge people on the basis of the crimes they may have committed, but to treat everyone in the same fair and objective manner.

5. It is essential that Prison Officers have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as these can be used to prevent and diffuse difficult situations and to create a positive prison environment.

6. Prison Officers need to have the self-confidence to deal with all kinds of situations as and when they arise, sometimes in difficult circumstances.

7. Prison Officers need to be patient in order to deal with prisoners and their challenging behaviours.

8. Prison Officers work as a team and it is critical that they cooperate and provide constant support to one another during every shift.

9. Security is of utmost importance in a prison, and Prison Officers shoulder a great deal of responsibility for maintaining a secure and safe environment for everyone.

10. Prison Officers have a duty of care for prisoners and are there to ensure that prisoners are in a safe environment and are treated with dignity and respect throughout their time in prison.

  • Self Selection Quiz
  • Prison Officer Jobs
  • View our video profiles
  • Click here to visit the HM Prison Service website