Female prison officers in men's prison ....

[mrs.chappie]

Is there a logical reason why this is a good idea?

My instinct is that it would make it harder for the inmates to cope - for obvious reasons.

I know about equality and all that. Just wondering if there is another reason for it.

[Eve]

Maybe strength in terms of any restraint required or in riots etc...

I'm all for equality but do have issues where special rights are given. I did some work experience with the RAF once on a tornado base and was chatting with some of the firemen about their job.

A friend asked why there were no women firefighters there and they replied that if there was a woman who was physically up to the job then they would have no problem in having them work with them. Not sexist, just common sense really.

[puddicat]

jenna what crap, i worked the fireman strike in the seventies, we had to dip tankers, so what you saying, that women cant firefight cos they are frail!!!

[puddicat]

sorry have to say it was mod policy that women couldnt do anything!!!!

[Eve]

Nope, I'm saying that if someone (whether male or female) can do a job then fine, it's more special rights I have a problem with when one sex or other is given special rights even if they are not as good at a job as others.

It's like equal ops policies. I have shortlisted candidates for interview in the past based on who I though would do the job best, qualifications, experience etc...

I was told my selection wasn't PC enought and had to have a move even spread of males and females, ethnic minorities etc...

I would hate to be shortlisted an interview to make up the numbers rather than because I was a good candidate for the job on my own merits.

[puddicat]

whats special rights?

[Rtaxron]

I don't think many fire-women would be able to carry a 11/12 stone person on their shoulders, down a ladder.

[mrs.chappie]

That's a good point Ron.

I remember there was a programme on the tv (London's Burning I think) that had a female firefighter in it.

Mind you, it was only pretend of course.

[bigboots]

My wife is a psych nurse and control and restraint is about tecnique not about size or strength, and knowing about pressure points
so why not have women prison officers there softer voice and gentle approach may be more calming, and inmates may be less likely to attack a female than a male

[mrs.chappie]

Point taken bigboots, but on the other hand, a male prisoner might be more likely to attack a female prison officer due to testosterone levels and frustration - do you know what I mean?

[Ice.Maiden]

I agree with bigboots - although it makes me smile when female prison officers are depicted as looking like pitbull terriers on TV.

As for for firefighters, they all go through vigorous training, and carrying people is part of this. If they can't do it, they don't make the grade, but I see no difference between a 10 st. woman doing the job, or a 10 stone man. In fact, the man'd probably look a bit puny, and a woman might be better at it!

[blonnnnng]

ive been in prison a few times, whats wrong with a female, youve got a real live female too have a dam good **** over

[weeal]

i think Mrs C means cos its a male environment and they dont really have much contact with females, therefore it might make them a bit ehm randy

[mrs.chappie]

You've hit the nail right on the head there, Al.

[mrs.chappie]

That's exactly my point, blonnnnng.

You haven't really got a woman to have a damn good **** over - and seeing women officers obviously encourages such thoughts. A recipe for trouble, I would think.

[chicho,bird2]

big boots

you is spot on

spot on

as i know xxxxxxxx
from old
xxxxxxx

well done

takes an officer to spot an inmate

or in mate to spot an officer
??????????????///

get together u know wat i mean

officers and prisoners work bothy ways
as well as inmate to inmate and officer to officer
and inmate to officer
and officer to inmate

??????????????//

so **** asit is happensxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
x

[mrs.chappie]

Chicho, are you telling us that it's the norm for inmates and officers to have sexual relations with each other?

[Rtaxron]

mrs.chappie ,

It has happened many times with officers and inmates.

I am not saying its norm, but its happened.

[mrs.chappie]

That's the point I am making, Ron. Of course it will happen, nature being as it is. Men will be attracted to women - that's natural. And surely men who are confined will be even more attracted to the women they come into contact with.

And for that reason, I think it's a bad idea to have mixed sexes in prison.

[Peejayem]

I know you submitted your question almost a year ago, but I have only just found it. As a retired Prison Officer, I can definitely tell you that there is a role for female officers in a male prison.
When this was first permitted in about 1988/89 I was very anti, but seeing it work changed my mind.
Female officers can very often be the calming influence needed in a situation, men will more often than not apologise for using bad language, or even being in the way.
I hope this helps, from an insider's point of view