I saw first hand how prisons are having to use segregation units for acutely mentally ill inmates who should not be in prison at allAs a former prison officer, I have opened thousands of cell doors. For almost a decade, I unlocked cells in residential blocks, healthcare units, first night centres, close supervision centres and segregation units. The twist and click of a key in the lock came to feel like background noise to me. But there are some occasions I remember more vividly than others. Sometimes the person inside wasn’t so keen on coming out.One of those challenging incidents took place a few years ago, while I was on shift in a segregation unit in a busy London jail. Prisoners are sent to the seg for a variety of reasons – fights, assaults on staff, possession of contraband – but normally for no longer than a week or two. The seg was made up of 18 single cells spread over two storeys. I was in a team of six, all of us in full riot gear. We were moving a mentally ill prisoner ...
The article recounts the author's experience as a former prison officer, highlighting the harsh conditions in segregation units, particularly the presence of mentally ill inmates and poor hygiene. It notes the increased use of segregation due to overcrowding and the government's response with early prisoner releases, which led to higher recalls and safety concerns. The piece emphasizes the challenges faced by staff, including a lack of emotional support and rising incidents against them, illustrating the physical and emotional toll on prison officers.
