Inside Parkhurst - The Final Stretch: More stories from behind the bars of Britain's most violent prison

In this raw and fascinating account of life as a prison officer, David Berridge returns to HMP Parkhurst, providing an uncompromising look at the harsh reality of working in British prisons. He discusses dealing with inmate violence, clearing out defiled prison cells, and the unsavoury nature of prison language and life. He also offers an assessment of the state of UK prisons, including the job crisis, poor recruitment, corruption, gangs, and the mental health epidemic.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2023
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

In this captivating and unflinching account, David Berridge delves into his experiences as a prison officer at HMP Parkhurst, providing a raw and authentic portrayal of life within British prisons. From the challenging task of managing inmate violence and cleaning up defiled prison cells to the unappealing aspects of prison culture, including the coarse language and the harsh realities of prison life, this book offers a deeper insight into the infamous HMP Parkhurst.

Throughout his journey, David maintains his wry humor, offering a much-needed assessment of the current state of UK prisons. He highlights the job crisis, poor recruitment practices, corruption, the prevalence of gangs, and the alarming mental health epidemic that is affecting prisoners, leading to numerous suicides.

This book serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for reform and improvement in the British prison system. It sheds light on the challenges faced by prison officers and the importance of addressing the systemic issues that contribute to the prison's dysfunction. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the criminal justice system and the human cost of incarceration.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399609685