Suffolk prison officer says there should be more diversity

Beneth Ndumnego, a prison officer at HMP Highpoint, Stradishall, near Haverhill, spoke about the need for "more variety and diversity" among prison staff during Black History Month.  

Prior to beginning his career in the prison service, Mr Ndumnego, 50, was working in a warehouse but left to find a more fulfilling and meaningful job.

Officer Beneth Ndumnego lives apart from his family but is happy to work in an important role (Image: Ministry of Justice) Mr Ndumnego said: “What hit me straight away was the importance of the job. You have an opportunity to affect people’s lives in a positive way. It means a lot to me to know that, even if it’s just one person. 

“Sometimes it’s helpful for the prisoners to see another black person but it’s important they know I have a job to do. 

“There needs to be more black officers. I’d encourage others to apply. It’s been a good job for me.” 

HMP Highpoint is a Category C men's prison, located in Stradishall, near Haverhill, Suffolk (Image: Archant) In 2017, the now foreign secretary David Lammy, chaired an independent review of the treatment of, and outcomes for, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) individuals in the Criminal Justice System (CJS).

Recommendations from the review state the Ministry of Justice should aim achieve 15.8% of new recruits being from BAME backgrounds which Mr Ndumnego says can be "helpful" when working with black prisoners.

“We have young, black prisoners and when I speak, they listen, but I don’t judge anyone. 

“We need more variety and diversity with our prison officers.

“Hopefully we can change a few perceptions about this job. They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover and it’s the same for working in a prison.  

"Regardless of the background prisoners come from I want to help them – whether that’s getting a job when they leave, staying in touch with their friends and family, or breaking the cycle of crime."