On Monday 28 April, criminology students and our German visitors, were treated to a fascinating and captivating talk from Gordon Wakefield - a prison officer at HMP Parkhurst and advocate of PRISON MATTERS.ORG. Gordon presents with over 30 years in the criminal justice field and has worked globally in places such as South Africa and death row in the USA.

Gordon started by demonstrating a toilet seat that he’d brought in from a cell.  In an engaging, humorous and insightful way, he painted a picture of the realities and practicalities of life in a shared 6 x 8 ft cell.  Thought provoking and interactive; Gordon showed the audience what life is like for a prisoner, making them appear as real people, sometimes vulnerable, and giving them a  voice as well as balancing justification for punishment for some heinous crimes. 

During his Q and A session, rehabilitation, retribution and social policies were some of the issues brought up, and the audience has a deeper understanding now of Government budget decisions, overcrowding and pressures of the public sector, how to control and manage 150 prisoners between 3 staff, and  highlighting dangers of the job.  He concluded by emphasising that relationships are central to everything - something that we can all take away and apply.

For more information visit https://www.prison-matters.co.uk/