Alex South began her career as a prison officer at Category A Whitemoor in Cambridgeshire, where some of the country’s most dangerous men were serving life sentences. Show more

After six months training, 22-year-old Alex South began her career as a prison officer at a high security men’s prison in Cambridgeshire. This is her account of what it was like. Show more

The constant hum of aggression and incipient violence can take its toll on the mental health of prison officers and on prisoners. Show more

The author transfers to HMP Wormwood Scrubs as a senior officer in a Victorian prison that houses 1,300 inmates. Drugs, phones and other contraband are commonplace. Show more

HMP Belmarsh is the UK’s most famous Category A prison. The night shift in a place like this can leave an officer vulnerable and sometimes helpless to assist distressed prisoners. Show more