Osma Aarnos, a 28-year-old former prison guard, recounts his experiences and challenges while working in a correctional facility in Finland. During his tenure, he gained deep insights into the lives of inmates and the psychological toll that such an environment can impose on staff. He mentions a particularly impactful piece of advice that cautioned him against sharing personal information with inmates, highlighting the complexities and dangers of the prison environment where trust can be a rare commodity.

Aarnos describes the intense atmosphere of working within the walls of a prison, where every interaction can have significant repercussions. He reflects on the unique relationship prison guards have with inmates, navigating a fine line between maintaining order and being empathetic toward individuals in difficult circumstances. His experiences reveal the emotional strain of the job, which ultimately contributed to his decision to leave the profession.

The article sheds light on the broader issues surrounding the penal system in Finland and the often unspoken challenges faced by those working in such environments. Aarnos’s reflections provide a personal perspective on the complexities of prison life, emphasizing the need for protective measures for staff and a deeper understanding of the inmate experience, which remains a critical discussion in the realm of criminal justice.