I worked for the California state system, starting as a Correctional Officer and retiring as a Lieutenant in 2005. I now write for the PacoVilla blog which is concerned with what could broadly be called The Correctional System.
I have no idea about the fine details of civil law in the United Kingdom. I do know the law about liability and immunity for the government is much different than it is here.
Pretty much all kinds. Many of them are strictly prison gangs, many of them are street gangs that have migrated into prisons. Also some street gangs started in prisons. Most are racial. A small number are geographic, like the Texas Syndicate. Biker gangs are also active in the prison setting. Some are racial-political like the old BGF. Like I said, all kinds.
Before that I worked for the DMV giving driving tests. It was OK but working at the prison was safer.
After a while you sort of get numb to the gross and disgusting things people are capable of doing to each other. Sad, but true.
CPR Trainer
Just how effective is the Heimlich, really?
Sommelier
What's your favorite bottle of wine for under $20?
Bracketologist
Where do you think the Selection Committee needs the most improvement?
There are a great many people in the world I do not like. Since it is illegal to shoot them for being unlikable I just have to avoid them as much as I can.
Rehabilitation is, and has pretty much always been (IMHO) a joke. "The system" can provide opportunities and tools, but a person has to WANT to change. True change comes from within, it can not be forced on a person. Most of the people in prison view themselves as criminals. That is their "job". That is what they do. That is what they want to do. That is what they like to do. Eventually they will get too old, or too slow, or too sick, or just get tired of the madness and decide to change. Or else they die. Either way the problem is self correcting, though it takes time and money and pain to get there.
Damned if I know.
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