I regularly read or otherwise hear MPs and representatives of the Prison Officers’ Association claim that officers in British prisons are well-trained, professional individuals, who are dedicated to the job and all that entails. However, earlier this year a question was raised in the House of Commons, enquiring how many members of prison staff have been dismissed in recent years.
I assume that ‘conduct’ is code for corruption, something that is rife in the prison service according to an ex-prison officer I had a series of conversations with a couple of years ago. Influenced by what I had learnt, I began a novel in which prison corruption is a central theme. There is also a subplot involving a relationship between a prisoner and a member of staff that was written some time before I read your April 29th blog regarding your ex. Please rest assured that any similarities are purely coincidental.
In writing the book, I found both your blog and Alex Cavendish’s very useful for background information and have dedicated the book to you in the hope that you will keep blogging. Although the tale is primarily an entertainment and should be read as such, it does not portray Her Majesty’s Prison Authority in the best possible light. Under the circumstances, I would like to make it clear to the authorities concerned that we have had no contact and it is being dedicated without your permission. There is a precedent: Fielding dedicated Tom Jones to The Honourable George Littleton “notwithstanding your constant refusal…”
The Teaboy, which includes step by step instructions on how to turn a screw, will be published on Amazon Kindle on the 25th of this month with the paperback version coming out in June.
Thank you so much. It is a real honour that you have given me this dedication. When the paperback version comes out I will certainly be buying a copy.