Transferring to another prison? Here's what you need to know

Prison transfers are among the most disruptive experiences in an already challenging environment. Whether it's moving from a county jail to a state prison, between facilities within the same system, or even across state lines, transfers can create significant uncertainty and stress. Today, we're sharing our comprehensive Prison Transfer Navigation Checklist to help incarcerated individuals and their loved ones prepare for and manage this complex process.

The Reality of prison transfers

Transfers are a common occurrence in correctional systems nationwide. They happen for numerous reasons: security reclassification, overcrowding, program availability, medical needs, family proximity requests, or administrative decisions. Often, transfers come with little warning, giving the incarcerated person and their support network minimal time to prepare.

What makes transfers particularly challenging is the temporary loss of stability. An individual may have spent months or years learning to navigate one facility's culture, rules, and routines, only to be uprooted and forced to start again elsewhere. Personal property may be lost or damaged, program progress interrupted, and important relationships disrupted.

Why we created this guide

Having witnessed the challenges that transfers create for incarcerated individuals and their families, we developed this comprehensive checklist to provide a roadmap through the process. Our goal is to help:

- Reduce anxiety by providing clear expectations about what happens before, during, and after a transfer
- Minimize disruptions to important relationships and support systems
- Protect property and important documents during the transition
- Maintain continuity of medical care, legal proceedings, and programming
- Facilitate faster adjustment to the new environment

Using the checklist effectively

The Prison Transfer Navigation Checklist is designed to be comprehensive, but we recognize that not every item will apply to every situation. Transfers between county jails and state prisons will differ from transfers between federal facilities or interstate movements.

We recommend reviewing the entire checklist, then focusing on the sections most relevant to your specific circumstances. For those with limited time before a transfer, prioritize the "Upon Transfer Notification" and "Day Before Transfer" sections.

For family members and support persons, the "Communication with Support Network" section offers guidance on how to maintain connections despite the disruption of a transfer.

Before Transfer Notification

Mental Preparation

• Understand that transfers are common in the prison system
• Recognize that rumors about transfers often circulate - verify information
• Prepare mentally for the possibility of a transfer at some point
• Learn about different security classifications and facility types
• Discuss potential transfers with cellmates who have experienced them

Documentation & Records

• Keep an updated list of important contacts and their information
• Maintain copies of important legal documents in an organized manner
• Document any ongoing medical treatments or medications
• Keep track of your property inventory list
• Make note of any pending legal proceedings or court dates
• Keep records of program completions and certificates

Upon Transfer Notification

Immediate Steps

• Verify the transfer order is legitimate with staff
• Ask about the reason for transfer if not provided
• Learn your destination facility and estimated transfer date
• Notify your attorney of the pending transfer
• Find out how much notice you'll receive before movement

Communication with Support Network

• Inform family members and close contacts about the transfer
• Provide loved ones with the new facility's address and contact information
• Explain visitation policies at the new facility to your visitors
• Discuss how phone and mail communication may be interrupted
• Set expectations about when they might hear from you again
• If possible, schedule a final visit before transfer

Property Considerations

• Review facility property policies (what's allowed at the new location)
• Create an inventory of all your possessions
• Determine what can be transferred and what cannot
• Make arrangements for property that cannot be transferred
• If possible, send excess property home with visitors
• Keep essential documents and photos with you if allowed

Financial Matters

• Check your commissary account balance
• Understand how funds will transfer to the new facility
• Find out if there will be a delay in fund availability
• Make arrangements for any owed debts at current facility
• Ask about the process for setting up a new account at the receiving facility
• Purchase essential commissary items for the transition period

Medical Considerations

• Request copies of your medical records if possible
• Make a list of all medications and treatments
• Speak with medical staff about transfer of prescriptions
• Document any ongoing health issues or concerns
• Ask about medical intake procedures at the new facility
• Request extra medication for the transition period if applicable

Programs & Services

• Get documentation of program participation and completion
• Inquire about similar programs at the new facility
• Complete exit interviews for current programs if required
• Return any borrowed materials (books, educational materials)
• Document progress in educational or vocational programs

Day Before Transfer

Final Preparations

• Pack according to transfer protocol (usually limited to essential items)
• Double-check that important documents are accessible
• Return any borrowed items or library books
• Clean your living area
• Say appropriate goodbyes to staff and fellow inmates
• Get adequate rest if possible
• Write down important phone numbers and addresses (backup in case papers are lost)

Mental Readiness

• Prepare for potentially long transit times
• Understand that transfers often involve early morning departures
• Be ready for limited or no access to facilities during transport
• Mentally prepare for strip searches and other security procedures
• Practice stress management techniques for the journey

During Transfer

Transport Protocol

• Follow all instructions from transport officers
• Remain calm and cooperative throughout the process
• Be prepared for restraints during transportation
• Expect limited bathroom breaks and plan accordingly
• Understand that transfers may take multiple days for long distances
• Be prepared for temporary stays at transitional facilities

Personal Conduct

• Remain respectful to transportation officers
• Avoid unnecessary conversation during transport
• Stay alert to your surroundings
• Follow all security protocols without question
• Keep interactions with other transferees minimal and respectful

Upon Arrival at New Facility

Intake Process

• Stay patient during the receiving and orientation process
• Pay close attention to rules specific to the new facility
• Provide accurate information during intake interviews

Sharing this resource

We encourage you to share this checklist with anyone who might benefit from it. The resource is free to download, print, and distribute. The interactive version allows users to check off items as they complete them and save their progress. Some effective ways to share this resource include:

- Sending it to incarcerated loved ones through approved mail channels
- Sharing it with prison ministry and support groups
- Providing it to attorneys who work with incarcerated clients
- Discussing it during pre-release programming
- Making it available in facility libraries and resource centers

While transfers present significant challenges, they're also navigable with proper preparation and expectations. Many who have experienced transfers report that the anticipation and journey were often more difficult than the actual adjustment to the new facility.With each transfer comes an opportunity to apply lessons learned and to approach the new environment with intention and purpose. Our hope is that this checklist provides practical guidance that makes the journey a bit less daunting.

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