Hi all, I have just finished reading the book Intractable by Bernie Matthews, this book was the greatest book I have ever read, outsiders dont know what goes on in the prison systems, fair enough they did the crime they pay the time but there is only so much voilence and bashing a man can handle. Not sure if anyone is on my level. I would like to hear from anyone who has read this book please. Thanks.

Hi there Colleen...

Indeed, I've also read Bernie Matthews book. The lengthy description of his incarceration in Grafton Gaol sounds pretty terrible for sure. What do you think of his vivid account of his time in Katingal? Would you believe that he 'suffered' more at the hands of a brutal physical regime at Grafton, or the psychological 'punishment' he allegedly received whilst an inmate in Katingal?

It would be nice I suppose to hear the other side of the 'Katingal experiment' . And if we did, would we believe it? Coming obviously from a prison officer.

Bernie manages to paint himself as a fairly colourful swashbuckling individual who seems to be able to 'put it over' the violent, dull minded screws, almost at will, or so it seems, prima facie?

I suppose Colleen it boils down essentially to that of Bernies account; vs the officer's account; and of course the truth, being somewhere in the middle.

If you'd like to hear the truth (or a version thereof) apropos the events concerning the operation of the Katingal Special Security Unit, during the entire time of it's being, simply give ahoy !

Kind regards...sungwu

O sung wu “It would be nice I suppose to hear the other side of the 'Katingal experiment' . And if we did, would we believe it? Coming obviously from a prison officer.”

Bernie Matthews had, because of his behaviour when he could make choices, forfeited his right to choose the prison of his internment.

Prison officers make their own choice about being where they are.

I have not and am unlikely to read the book.

I have, however, spent many days in a prison in recent times. I am sure every person who ever went to prison (prisoner or non-prisoner) could write up a good yarn about what goes on behind the bars.

If Bernie makes some "honest money" from it, all to the good.

However, one reason people end up in prison is they fail to recognize the social benefits of honesty and personal boundaries (respecting to rights and property of others).

Hence, what they write is likely to convey a similar misrepresentations of both boundaries and honesty.

Don’t try to turn a fiction into a fact, that was Lenin’s game.

I would note, prison officers have to undergo psychological evaluation before they are accepted for their role. Most prisoners would certainly fail the same test. Particularly the response to ethical standards, response to stress, respect for the rights of others, etc.

So, contrary to your view, given a choice between a prison officer and a convict, the view most people, me included, would rely on as most likely to be an “honest” repesentation of circumstances and events would be that of the prison officer.

Good afternoon to you Col R. ...

I agree with your excellent summation and take on the prison system -the clients and their keepers, and the many problems contained therein.

Myself, my only 'claim to fame' if you like, was that I was employed at KSSU from before it received it's first inmate (about seven weeks), 'til about three weeks or so from the time the last inmate was transferred to another institution. That of course, was as a consequence of the Government's decision to close the place.

My memory has diminished a little with respect to exact dates etc., but I reckon I was there for a total period of two years, and eleven months, in all. Quite a long time in my view.

Col, the ONLY reason I've contributed and persevered with this thread - it's my own small way of honouring those many exemplary Prison Officers, who served at the KSSU with distinction and humility. Who are now deceased and can no longer defend themselves, and their good fame and character, against all manner of allegations of serious misconduct et al. . I got out of the Corrective Services, in 1978 and joined the coppers (I retired a few years ago now). So my knowledge of what is happening in the 'system' today, is only garnered through 'heresay' and from former colleagues.

In closing Col, at the risk of being impertinent (I don't mean to be!) - what was your connection with prisons per se ?

Kind regards... osungwu

o sung wu “I agree with your excellent summation and take on the prison system -the clients and their keepers, and the many problems contained therein.”

Thank you, I think I misinterpreted your original post, I did not realize you were being sarcastic/sardonic when you referred to “And if we did, would we believe it? Coming obviously from a prison officer.”.

My part in prisons is fairly incidental, I supply specialist contract services to one which means residing within the walls for about 8 hours at a time several days a week.

So, I humbly and sincerely apologise for misinterpreting your post. I further endorse and respect your choice to, as you said “it's my own small way of honouring those many exemplary Prison Officers, who served at the KSSU with distinction and humility”

As you will probably agree, it is too easy for the perpetrators of crime to cry foul about the forces arrayed to protect the rest of us from them

Some 40 years ago I knew Bernie just in passing but it happened and I know his storeys about Grafton to be true.
Do not take the prison warders side too easyly, theft graft even smuggling guns and drugs into prisons have been proven.
As has male rape! some times the bars only confused the matter who was on the right side?
And its not hidden that once every person taken to Grafton was flogged on arival, by multipul teams of thugs in prison uniform.
If photos existed they would shame us all.
Unhappy with that? well it remains true and was made public years ago.
I do not think criminals are much but they are human beings and we have no right to treat them other wise.
unlike another ex crime you can beleave most of what Bernie writes.