Tales from prison: reflections on a decade of offender research

Purpose - This paper aims to present the author's reflections on prison research studies undertaken over the last ten years. Design/methodology/approach - Some reflections come frompersonal diaries while others are lasting memories, which made a significant impact on the author as a young researcher. Findings - The reflections highlight several important aspects of researching prisons: that people in prison may be quite selective about information they disclose if interviewed; that prisons, rather than prisoners, can act as significant barriers for researchers - operationally as well as institutionally; that this why the researcher should try to go beyond "the interview'' at all opportunities and look to engage as much as possible with interviewees - even if it means walking around the wing, playing pool with them or seeing their cells. Originality/value - The short paper will be useful for any researchers entering custody with the task of undertaking quick-fire research studies.