Prison Officer Duties & Responsibilities

The role and function of a Prison Officer includes the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Assisting in prisoner reviews;
  • Being aware of prisoners’ rights and dignity and their personal responsibility;
  • Providing appropriate care and support for vulnerable prisoners and those at risk of self-harm;
  • Performing security checks and search procedures;
  • Taking an active part in rehabilitation programmes, including workshops;
  • Supervising visits and carrying out patrol duties;
  • Escorting prisoners;
  • Supervising prisoners, keeping an account of those in your charge and maintaining proper order;
  • Advising and counselling prisoners and making sure they have access to professional help if needed;
  • Employing authorised physical control and restraint procedures where appropriate;
  • Promoting anti-bullying and suicide prevention policies;
  • Assessing and advising prisoners;
  • Liaising with other specialist staff, including health and social work professionals;
  • Writing prisoner reports.
  • Taking care of prisoners’ property;

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of Prison Officer duties and responsibilities. Job functions for specific Prison Officer roles may vary, depending on the industry and type of employer.