Question: Knowing your line of work and potential dangers, what is the most dangerous/scariest encounter you have come across a Prison Psychologist?

Sally Tilt answered on 5 Mar 2019:

Thanks for your question.

It’s pretty much my aim to avoid dangerous situations at work – and generally it is possible to anticipate which situations might have a potential risk – for example, if someone is feeling upset or if I have some difficult news to discuss with someone, then we would plan the situation to make sure that it feels safe for everyone.

I often say to people that I am probably safer in my job than I would be when I’m walking through town in the evening.

The first few weeks of working in a prison can feel a little different – but once you are accustomed to it, the it probably feels like most people’s work places.