Tough gig, you have been warned, consider only if all other options have failed.The good thingsChallenging myself in a high stress environment and learning new practical tactical skills. Shift work means 12 hr days but lots of time off with manipulation of roster and 5 weeks leave, don't try to take any leave over Christmas or school holidays.
The challengesWhere do I start.....please talk to someone who knows the place first hand before joining.Be prepaired to wait at least 6 mths before your application gets processed fully and then a 10 wk course with great trainers but pay will be without shift allowance. Once graduated straight on the ground potentially running a Secure unit on your first shift or night shift without any guidance, recruit staff are lying to you if they say this will not happen.1st yr will your toughest with many Officers treating you poorly as they will not be bothered, you take up overtime spots and the turnover rate is super high(some officers are lovely though they are very outnumbered)Management/Supervisors will favour certain officers. Most prisons are over capacity and many prisoners will treat you like dirt till you break(some are surprisingly nice though, they progress quick though) CCOs will not carry much in the way of protection, depending on area/normally work only in pairs except for unlock/lockaway