Irish Prison Service
Role play, Recruit Prison Officer
The interview opens with five minutes to read a brief, then five minutes with an actor playing a prisoner or a visitor. Here the actor answers you back, out loud, and reacts to what you actually say. Up to six exchanges, then the board’s debrief.
Candidates in 2025 were given a late visitor, or a prisoner who would not do what was asked, and five minutes with an actor. The board marks what you say and how you hold the rule, then goes on to the six competencies. The scenarios here state the rule that applies, so you are marked on how you apply it, not on knowing a particular prison. The actor’s voice is your device’s own; turn it off if you would rather read.