Re: Mobile Phones in Prisons.

With prisons you also have outside contractors, admin staff, education and those that do what I did, teaching skills, I taught bricklaying for a couple of years.

It's not unheard of for staff to be approached by nasty gangster type individuals, firstly they'll offer money to take in contraband, if you refuse they threaten you and your family.

If the criminal was in for extreme violence or murder and his colleagues threatened to hurt your kids, would you go to the police? Would you trust the system to protect them?

I'm can honestly say, hand on heart, I'd seriously consider the risks of smuggling.

You cannot look at this as plain black or white.

Re: Mobile Phones in Prisons.

I see your point, Terry.

Perhaps the most dangerous prisoners should not benefit from such visitors - just banged up for the period and no visitors. As I said before, prison should be a punishment, not a reward.

I agree that trying to rehabilitate prisoners could be a good thing, but if this is the result perhaps they shouldn't do it. Perhaps, instead, they could offer such training and education upon release?

Re: Mobile Phones in Prisons.

I'm sure by colleague won't mind me saying, well I know he won't as I've just asked him

When I worked for HMP I really enjoyed it, to see "no hopers" become proud of their achievements made me feel it was worth my time. Don't get me wrong there were some real shit bags that came through my classes but there were a few that I'd go that bit extra for.

One lad in particular had had a rough upbringing. His mother and father were druggies, he was shot when he was 2 and asleep in his pram by his "high" father playing with a loaded gun. He was fostered out and then sexually abused by one of the family. He was in and out of institutions all his life.

He came to one of my courses and showed a natural skill for bricklaying and on his release I got him on an apprenticeship and a permanent job followed. He excelled and has now been employed full time for 10 years and never stepped out of line or been in any trouble.

i cannot imagine him working anywhere else, yep he works for me.

Re: Mobile Phones in Prisons.

Thanks for that Terry.
It's good to hear about a successful story.

I suppose I should temper my suggestions. Perhaps one-off offenders who show a genuine change should, quite rightly, be given another chance.

I'm afraid I can't see that for re-offenders, though.

Re: Mobile Phones in Prisons.

Some are beyond help or refuse to accept their behaviour is unacceptable.

I never ever envisaged employing an ex con, this lad was different. He'd been in trouble before but never for crimes against society(so to speak)he'd got into the odd fight, usually with drugs dealers(he hated them)or the police when arrested.

Yes he was a gamble but a calculated risk I was willing to take. Best return I've ever had

Re: Mobile Phones in Prisons.

Good lad.