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Screwed: The Truth About Life as a Prison Officer
My name is Ronnie Thompson. Being a prison officer was something I used to be proud of. I soon realised the truth of what its like working as a screw, though.It's afucking headache. Corruption, danger, violence. Welcome to my world.'Ronnie Thompson was just an ordinary guy. That is, until hebecame a prison officer. By the time he started work at HMP Romwell, he realised he was actually a nurse, a copper, a probation officer, a carer, a councillor, a social worker and, of course, an incarcerator all in one. Oh, and a punch bag for the cons and bosses.In SCREWED, Ronnie tells it like it is. Hereveals what really goes on behind bars-the times when force is necessary and used, and when it is unnecessary but still used.He exposes the underworld of bent screws, the drugs they traffic, the firms they work for and what they get paid for their sins.He shows how it is left down to a small group of officers to control an over-flowing prison, keep an eye out for corrupt govenors, and dodge the deluded human rights campaigners. Ultimately, he shows us that being a good screw doesnt always mean sticking to the rules...
- GenresNonfictionCrimeBiography
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 6, 2015
This book is quite unlike any other memoir I've ever read. It seems to be written for someone with a reading age of about 8 apart from that fuckin' is the most (over) used word, closely followed by several other expletives that add nothing to the memoir but quite a lot to what you might think of the author. Like a playground bully denying his transgressions in words, he makes sure you know he was in the thick of it, he was the protagonist, the enforcer.
The author says he has a close relationship with the mother of his son and works with several female prison officers but the females in the book are just paper-thin cyphers, they scarcely exist in his world of machismo, when compared to his long and almost loving descriptions of the hard, brutal men he works with, his mates. I wouldn't dare suggest such a hard man has conflicted sexuality, but it sure reads that way.
'Hard man'? Despite his protestations to the contrary he seems to be one of the bully-boy prison officers he so dislikes for their casual violence towards prisoners. He does, however, admit to a little 'private' violence on certain inmates who 'need it' to help them 'straighten out' when words haven't worked. Every bad attitude of prison officers you have ever seen on tv documentaries about 'correctional facilities' is confirmed. And with pride.
Nonetheless it's an interesting book and makes one realise that in working in an understaffed prison with professional criminals, many of them extremely violent and abusive, it must be extremely hard to maintain a gentle touch and want to help correct rather than punish behaviour. Thompson isn't a bad guy, he would like to do his best to keep order and help those who are easily reached and does try, but only to a certain level. One of the problems of prison is that the inmates do not interpret the word 'respect' as most of us do. To them it means only to have the correct stance to a fellow prisoner or officer who has proven that they don't tolerate anything but submission to their will, and anyone who stands out against that will be punished, and usually in a very violent way.
A prison officer doesn't have to use aggression to enforce obedience, he can use rules and punishments, but perhaps that is too time-consuming a procedure when a punch, a kick, a headlock will do the same job when a verbal correction isn't working. Or, to use a cliche, to talk to them in the only language they understand.
Worth reading if you see it around. Worth buying? For a short plane flight maybe but for an addition to your library? Nah.
The author says he has a close relationship with the mother of his son and works with several female prison officers but the females in the book are just paper-thin cyphers, they scarcely exist in his world of machismo, when compared to his long and almost loving descriptions of the hard, brutal men he works with, his mates. I wouldn't dare suggest such a hard man has conflicted sexuality, but it sure reads that way.
'Hard man'? Despite his protestations to the contrary he seems to be one of the bully-boy prison officers he so dislikes for their casual violence towards prisoners. He does, however, admit to a little 'private' violence on certain inmates who 'need it' to help them 'straighten out' when words haven't worked. Every bad attitude of prison officers you have ever seen on tv documentaries about 'correctional facilities' is confirmed. And with pride.
Nonetheless it's an interesting book and makes one realise that in working in an understaffed prison with professional criminals, many of them extremely violent and abusive, it must be extremely hard to maintain a gentle touch and want to help correct rather than punish behaviour. Thompson isn't a bad guy, he would like to do his best to keep order and help those who are easily reached and does try, but only to a certain level. One of the problems of prison is that the inmates do not interpret the word 'respect' as most of us do. To them it means only to have the correct stance to a fellow prisoner or officer who has proven that they don't tolerate anything but submission to their will, and anyone who stands out against that will be punished, and usually in a very violent way.
A prison officer doesn't have to use aggression to enforce obedience, he can use rules and punishments, but perhaps that is too time-consuming a procedure when a punch, a kick, a headlock will do the same job when a verbal correction isn't working. Or, to use a cliche, to talk to them in the only language they understand.
Worth reading if you see it around. Worth buying? For a short plane flight maybe but for an addition to your library? Nah.
August 20, 2015
A fantastic real-life insight into the life of a prison officier ('screw')! I couldn't put this down. I can't for the life of me understand the poor reviews this has received - surely after reading the description before you pick this up, you kind of expect the bad language and straight talking. This bloke didn't water flowers for a living - he worked in one of the grimmest prisons in the UK. Absolutely loved Ronnie Thompson's attitude to life. Fantastic morals. I'll be buying his other books. Brilliant stuff.
August 31, 2008
The back pages of the book sells this as an expose of what it is really like to serve in the prison service in modern britain.
The author seems to find fault all around him - apparently most governors, senior staff and his fellow officers are of poor calibre, some dishonest, some just weak, some just stupid or with little ability. He puts himself in the minority of being effective in their jobs in the prison service. Unashamedly he then goes on to recall tales of his own extreme unprofessionalism, poor standards and personal weakness. He seems to be able to find fault in others as if looking at them through a magnifying glass but seemingly is unable to see his own many inadequacies. He sums up asking for the public to have more respect for prison officers, apparently unaware that he had provided a book full of reasons to respect them less.
Overall this is a story from a prison officer who has a chip on his shoulder, always seems to see the glass as half empty rather than half full and, were it not for him having had a secure and loving upbringing from a stable family (which most 'cons' probably wouldn't have had the privelege of), it is obvious that he would probably have ended up on the other side of the bars. Mildly entertaining stories but probably a book only enjoyed by (mainly young male) those easily impressed by tales of bravado.
The author seems to find fault all around him - apparently most governors, senior staff and his fellow officers are of poor calibre, some dishonest, some just weak, some just stupid or with little ability. He puts himself in the minority of being effective in their jobs in the prison service. Unashamedly he then goes on to recall tales of his own extreme unprofessionalism, poor standards and personal weakness. He seems to be able to find fault in others as if looking at them through a magnifying glass but seemingly is unable to see his own many inadequacies. He sums up asking for the public to have more respect for prison officers, apparently unaware that he had provided a book full of reasons to respect them less.
Overall this is a story from a prison officer who has a chip on his shoulder, always seems to see the glass as half empty rather than half full and, were it not for him having had a secure and loving upbringing from a stable family (which most 'cons' probably wouldn't have had the privelege of), it is obvious that he would probably have ended up on the other side of the bars. Mildly entertaining stories but probably a book only enjoyed by (mainly young male) those easily impressed by tales of bravado.
August 23, 2012
Aside from the interesting subject, his coprolalia-like swearing, belief that everyone other than him is a 'fuckwit', and tough guy way of speaking makes this completely atrocious. I actually read this with Danny Dyers mockney accent, it fit in so well.
I have no problem with swearing, I've dropped a few F-bombs before, but when you find yourself claiming everyone around you is a fucker, wanker, a piece of shit, a c**t, when you finish every second sentence with 'and we did fuck all!', most of your stories come from getting pissed constantly, it becomes a bit of a problem. I counted 74 Bad Words in the first 28 pages.
Aside from the swearing, his articulation doesn't go very far. Every man is a 'geezer' (or, as above, a wanker) who throws his weight around (several men he describes as 'alright' strike me as totally untrustworthy and morally deplorable) and every woman is a 'bird' and, in a fair amount of cases, complete whores willing to sleep with/turn on anyone to further their career. Either he is one in a big group of arsewipes or his vocabulary is a bit too black and white.
He is a bit of a bully. His overall manner (within his writing) is very very aggressive, so when he claims to dislike the bully boy types then admits dishing out his own 'punishments' to unruly prisoners...hypocrite?
No, thank you.
I have no problem with swearing, I've dropped a few F-bombs before, but when you find yourself claiming everyone around you is a fucker, wanker, a piece of shit, a c**t, when you finish every second sentence with 'and we did fuck all!', most of your stories come from getting pissed constantly, it becomes a bit of a problem. I counted 74 Bad Words in the first 28 pages.
Aside from the swearing, his articulation doesn't go very far. Every man is a 'geezer' (or, as above, a wanker) who throws his weight around (several men he describes as 'alright' strike me as totally untrustworthy and morally deplorable) and every woman is a 'bird' and, in a fair amount of cases, complete whores willing to sleep with/turn on anyone to further their career. Either he is one in a big group of arsewipes or his vocabulary is a bit too black and white.
He is a bit of a bully. His overall manner (within his writing) is very very aggressive, so when he claims to dislike the bully boy types then admits dishing out his own 'punishments' to unruly prisoners...hypocrite?
No, thank you.
February 7, 2017
I have really mixed emotions about this book. On one hand, it was a great read and I couldn't put it down. I have a huge interest in these real life 'on the job' kind of books so when I saw this it instantly got my interest.
What I did enjoy was the brutal honesty. Ronnie doesn't stop at anything, he will tell you exactly how it is, even when he's the one in the wrong. It was really interesting to get that perspective of inside a prison, how it actually runs and how the officers are treated. At the start, he tells you about an event that happened. You don't find out the result of this until the last chapter. So he essentially takes you back in time, through his journey from training right up and through, leading up to this event. You can feel his emotion and passion for his job.
It was a different 'layout' to what I'm used to. Generally these kinds of books have a chapter per story. But this was one flowing story, following him from start to where he is now.
What I didn't like. Firstly, the language in this is really extreme and takes a bit of getting used to. I'm glad that he doesn't sugarcoat it, but especially at the start it's a bit much and might put people off the book. The language does get a lot better as the book moves on, it's a lot less frequent. He also tends to always call women "birds". This is just a personal pet peeve.
All that aside, I did enjoy the book. He does have some others out, so I might check them out too.
What I did enjoy was the brutal honesty. Ronnie doesn't stop at anything, he will tell you exactly how it is, even when he's the one in the wrong. It was really interesting to get that perspective of inside a prison, how it actually runs and how the officers are treated. At the start, he tells you about an event that happened. You don't find out the result of this until the last chapter. So he essentially takes you back in time, through his journey from training right up and through, leading up to this event. You can feel his emotion and passion for his job.
It was a different 'layout' to what I'm used to. Generally these kinds of books have a chapter per story. But this was one flowing story, following him from start to where he is now.
What I didn't like. Firstly, the language in this is really extreme and takes a bit of getting used to. I'm glad that he doesn't sugarcoat it, but especially at the start it's a bit much and might put people off the book. The language does get a lot better as the book moves on, it's a lot less frequent. He also tends to always call women "birds". This is just a personal pet peeve.
All that aside, I did enjoy the book. He does have some others out, so I might check them out too.
February 24, 2011
I almost decided to reject the book after reading the first several pages, owing to the extensive use of coarse language in the author’s preamble. However, I persevered and, although further chapters included frequent use of expletives, it seemed to be in context and somehow blend with the awful environment in the prison.
How much of this fictional book is based on the authentic is a moot point, but it nevertheless highlights highly dangerous situations of which few ordinary people may be aware. Moreover, the book gets better in the latter stages, particularly as the language becomes more acceptable. Overall I would recommend it as an interesting read.
How much of this fictional book is based on the authentic is a moot point, but it nevertheless highlights highly dangerous situations of which few ordinary people may be aware. Moreover, the book gets better in the latter stages, particularly as the language becomes more acceptable. Overall I would recommend it as an interesting read.
May 22, 2024
this book was beyond interesting to me and maybe a bit underrated. the brutal honestly and acknowledgment to thompsons own behaviours i saw as something raw and genuine as well as not sugarcoating any perspective by walking through each scenario and personal struggles within it. i couldn’t put the book down after getting to about half way as i was so intrigued by this story of his life and how he bounced between work and his home life, neglecting them and himself. i saw it as an almost predictable way of life giving his personality and also the struggles of working where he was. one of the only things i’d comment negatively on is not about the book but him as a person at the time of these events; his macho behaviours and toxic masculinity. of course as a reader this is something i can’t control or really have an issue with but it would have been nice to see some genuine growth and seeing the issues in his own behaviours and trying to change them and not fall back into old habits. as well as having the ‘lad’ perspective and doing things like calling women ‘birds’ is a personal ick and so if i could i’d give this book a 3.5. would recommend to anyone who is interested in the services or likes first person narration.
April 21, 2024
Not a great book. Found myself disagreeing with the author throughout. A lot of it feels like a hard sell for UKIP. Some of the ignorant views stated as fact are abhorrent and so clearly biased. Particularly disliked the author calling all prisoners scroats, labelling them as one homogenous group and discussing how proud he was of his own forms of punishment.
November 18, 2017
Dropped it after page 100, not well written and just reads very angry and foul mouthed. And this person is só full of himself, it just gets under your skin. Such a shame because the subject and point of view is so interesting!
May 17, 2018
A good insight into prison life in the UK from the perspective of a screw.
April 10, 2020
A very worthwhile read on the workings of the UK prison service
January 4, 2021
I thought this book was really good and interesting
April 11, 2021
Hilarious and insightful. Loved it.
October 7, 2021
There is a lot of anger in this book, but reading between the lines but it seems mostly justified. Ronnie is not the most politically correct person on the planet, but he can write!
January 3, 2025
This book is shit DNF
May 26, 2010
An enlightening insight into the real daily dirty work of the Prison Officer. I knew this must be a tough job, but the realism of Thompson's description of prison life is quite startling at times, bringing to life the real danger, grimness and all-round grubby nature of the job. This is also reflected in the frequent use of expletives, but I think an hour in this guy's life would have the same effect on anyone! Also a worthy expose of the appalling state of the British prison system generally, highlighting the problems of over-crowding, low morale of staff (including the destruction of his own personal life) and the ineptitude and nepotism of management.
April 1, 2013
Rating this one a 3 because it was tough to get through it with all the cussing and a little too much repetition. However, if this is what the prison officers in Britain's prison system have to endure with little or no protection from the violent crazies confined within, I am surprised any person with any sense would actually apply to become a 'screw'. There is no prison system that is not flawed, but at least U.S. prison guards are more likely to survive intact than in Britain. Interesting book.
January 7, 2023
Книгата стана доста популярна преди няколко години във Великобритания, даже филм има по нея за действителността в британските затвори, но не е нищо особено.
Бюрокрация и шуробаджанащина в администрацията, политическа коректност до небесата, наркотици, пиянства и побоища сред затворници и надзиратели. Като я чета направо ми става мило за нашата пенитенциарна система, въпреки несъмнените й проблеми.
Бюрокрация и шуробаджанащина в администрацията, политическа коректност до небесата, наркотици, пиянства и побоища сред затворници и надзиратели. Като я чета направо ми става мило за нашата пенитенциарна система, въпреки несъмнените й проблеми.
December 6, 2015
This was an interesting and entertaining read but I found the continual swearing very unnecessary.
The book is written by a young prison officer and describes in detail what he has to face on a daily basis. Some stories are quite funny, some quite frightening.
This book is certainly an eye opener, to have prisons this under staffed and very unsafe for employees and for the management to not seem to care.
Not for the light reader
The book is written by a young prison officer and describes in detail what he has to face on a daily basis. Some stories are quite funny, some quite frightening.
This book is certainly an eye opener, to have prisons this under staffed and very unsafe for employees and for the management to not seem to care.
Not for the light reader
October 14, 2013
Great insight into life as a screw and the problems faced in our often too soft and caring prison service! Struggled to put it down and really enjoyed it! I'm now tempted to get the film!
Somd parts though I do get the impression he is waffling and blowing his own trumpet!
Worth a read though and I'd nicely written!
Somd parts though I do get the impression he is waffling and blowing his own trumpet!
Worth a read though and I'd nicely written!
August 5, 2011
This book grips you from the outset, Ronni thmpson describes a rich and complex, and if I'm honest a totaly bent account of life inside HMP. For me this job is up there with Politicians, no way in hell will I ever be one.
September 12, 2012
From a prison officers point of view,this is an almost true reflection of prison....a bit too much in places & full on,beyond fact..didnt enjoy reading it to be fare...glad i only paid a couple of £'s from amazon.....
May 28, 2015
Insightful but predictable for those who have read books about prisons/prisoners. Also the film is a good reflection of the book, but again is fairly predictable. Obligatory fight with prisoners, prisoners have the upperhand, cops eventually re-gain control etc
March 23, 2009
Great real-life book that really gives you an insight into what life is like in prison, and what a hard/draining job it is being a screw.
Read
September 25, 2010An excellent insight into the little known world of life in the prison service.
Read
August 12, 2011GREAT BOOK REALLY ENJOYED GETTING INTO THE LIFE OF A PRISON OFFICER
May 13, 2012
Could barely get past first chapter- so much unnecessary swearing!
Currently reading
August 25, 2012just starting, but has me hooked in.
August 5, 2013
It was a good book, easy to read. Brought a real life feel about something you only read about in the papers and online.
July 27, 2015
A look at life from a Prison officers view, complete with smuggling, corruption and bullying.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews