ABSTRACT
This chapter considers undertaking research in a prison environment. Co-production has proved essential when working with prison staff and prisoners, and the protocol for development of a complex intervention and feasibility study (PRISM-A) project highlighted this. It presents some facts around the prison environment, some experience from the PRISM-A project, and end with some useful tips for those wishing to undertake research in a similar environment. The training exercises are exactly the same as those that other staff have to complete, and are undertaken alongside new members of staff which gives an insight into various staff roles from the outset. An important point to note for ethical approval in a prison is that co-production is essential from day one. Extra security is required, fingerprints to access the key cabinets, training around the different types of keys, and training around how to carry keys is also necessary. Some prisons require conditioning training to be completed.
