Most of the training of prison officers focused on their daily duties, determined by the regimented timetable, and the regime of the prison. Although the prison regime was remodeled from the Du Cane years, it was not significantly different in local prisons until the 1920s when the population had declined substantially. The local prison of early 20th century England remained a machine, felt by officers and inmates alike. The machine-like operation remained the most significant feature, and not new ideas about rehabilitation. In an attempt to contribute to the understanding of prison regimes in the historical perspective and the role of the prison officer within changing penal practices, this article examines the role and training of prison officers in English local prisons between 1877, when local prisons were centralized, and 1914, when recruitment to the service was suspended due to the First World War. The article demonstrates the ambiguity in official discourse on the role of the prison officer, which exemplifies wider ambiguities in the penal philosophies and practices in local prisons during this period. Notes, references