Behind these Doors

‘This beautiful book really resonated for me as a true, compassionate and honest account of what it is to work in our prisons; and the massive political challenges that go with incarceration.’ Dr. Gwen Adshead, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Devil You Know‘This is a beautifully written account about hope and optimism, of humanity, realism, resilience and the complexity of people - some of whom wear a uniform and others who don’t. Oh and it’s also an account that’s personal, warm and inspiring and so perhaps you’ll be surprised when I tell you it’s a book about prison and the people who live and work there. I’m just sorry that not all Prison Officers are like Alex South.’ Professor David Wilson‘I was completely gripped whilst reading it - it’s such a powerful memoir and one that shines a light into a world most of the public rarely see, but need a greater understanding of if the system is to change for the better. A fascinating and heart-breaking insight into those who work in the prison system as well as those incarcerated within it.’ Nikki Smith, author of The Beach Party‘A vivid, unsentimental insight into a world that needs to be seen.’ The Observer‘Brilliant’ Radio Times

Alex South is a former Prison Officer with ten years’ experience working for Her Majesty’s Prison Service. She has worked at HMP Whittemore, HMP Wormwood Scrubs and HMP Belmarsh as an Officer, Senior Officer and Custodial Manager. During her time at these prisons, Alex was deployed to numerous live incidents in her capacity as a trained riot commander and hostage negotiator.

In 2017, Alex was awarded a Winston Churchill Fellowship to travel abroad and research the impact on prison officers of their working environment. Alex has a BSc in Psychology and Criminology and a Masters in Forensic Psychology, both with the Open University. In 2020, she won first place in the Beechmore Life Writing Competition. Her entry considered the effect prison has on a 21-year-old prisoner at the beginning of his first sentence, and an experienced officer on the brink of burnout.

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