How to find someone in the Prison System?

When someone is arrested or sentenced to prison, it can feel like they’ve disappeared overnight. Many families and friends are left wondering where their loved one is, how to get in contact, or even how to start looking. The UK prison system doesn’t always make it easy to find or stay in touch with someone inside. This guide walks through what happens from arrest to prison transfer, and how to stay connected—including how services like Prison Call can make communication easier and more affordable.

The arrest and custody process

When someone is arrested, they’re taken into police custody and held at a police station. This stage is often confusing for family members because information is limited. The police don’t always inform next of kin, and due to privacy laws, they may not share details unless the arrested person gives permission. If the arrest leads to charges, the individual may be held in custody until a court appearance, which usually happens within 24 to 48 hours.

During this time, it’s hard to track where they are. You can try contacting local police stations or magistrates' courts, but unless the person has agreed to share information, staff may not tell you anything.

After sentencing & entering the prison system

If someone is found guilty and sentenced, they are transferred from court to a local prison. This is where they start serving their sentence—either in a remand prison (if still awaiting trial or appeal) or a category A to D prison depending on their sentence and risk level. At this point, they’re officially in the prison system, but again, details aren’t always public.

It can take several days before prisoners are able to make phone calls, write letters, or register approved contacts. During this time, families often feel in the dark. Once settled, the prisoner can start the process of adding approved phone numbers or arranging visits.

Locating someone in prison

If you’re struggling to locate someone in custody, there is a process you can follow. In England and Wales, you can use the Prisoner Location Service, which allows approved individuals to request the location of a prisoner.

To use it, you’ll need to email or write with the person’s:

- Full name
- Date of birth
- Your full name and address
- Your relationship to the person
- The reason you want to find them

‍Email: prisoner.location.service@justice.gov.uk

Post: Prisoner Location Service, PO Box 17594, Birmingham, B2 2QP

If the prisoner agrees to share their location, you’ll be told where they are. If they don’t give permission, you won’t receive a response. The process can take a few days to a couple of weeks.

In Scotland, contact the Scottish Prison Service. In Northern Ireland, contact the Northern Ireland Prison Service.

Transfers between prisons

Prisoners are often moved between facilities for various reasons—security category changes, availability of space, healthcare needs, or rehabilitation programs. These transfers usually happen with little or no warning, and prisoners often have no control over them.

If someone you know has suddenly stopped calling or writing, they may have been transferred. Unfortunately, the system doesn’t automatically notify families or friends about these moves. The best approach is to stay patient, wait for the prisoner to re-establish contact, or try reaching out through official prison services.

Staying connected

Once you’ve found out where your loved one is, staying in regular contact is essential—for their wellbeing and yours. Most prisoners can:

- Make phone calls during set hours
- Receive letters and emails via the “Email a Prisoner” system
- Have visits from approved people
- In some cases, take part in video calls (e.g., via Purple Visits)

Phone calls are the most immediate way to stay in touch, but they come with limits. Inmates can’t receive incoming calls and can only call approved numbers. They also have to pay for calls, which are more expensive if they’re calling mobiles. That’s where Prison Call can help.

A few things to know about the prison system

The UK prison system is structured around four categories, each reflecting the level of security inmates require. Category A prisons are the most secure, housing individuals considered a high risk to public safety or national security. Category B prisons maintain a high level of security for those who don’t require maximum restrictions but still need close supervision. Category C facilities, known as training prisons, accommodate inmates unlikely to attempt escape and focus on rehabilitation through vocational training and education. Category D, or open prisons, are for low-risk offenders nearing release, helping them transition back into the community.

Rehabilitation and education play a key role in the UK’s correctional approach. The most effective prisons offer a range of programs designed to equip inmates with practical skills and support their reintegration into society. These include vocational courses, academic education, and therapy. However, many prisons face overcrowding and budget constraints, limiting access to these services. As a result, some facilities struggle to provide adequate support, with poor conditions and minimal resources, which can make rehabilitation difficult.Healthcare provision also varies widely between prisons. In under-resourced or overcrowded facilities, delayed access to treatment and understaffing often lead to declining inmate health and increased safety concerns. On the other hand, better-managed prisons can offer more consistent medical care, though these are the exception.

Families searching for or supporting a loved one in prison often encounter a maze of administrative and emotional challenges. From understanding how the system works to dealing with the psychological toll, the journey can be overwhelming. Staying informed and finding reliable support is vital.Overcrowding remains one of the most serious issues across the prison system, with many facilities operating well over capacity. This strains healthcare, reduces access to rehabilitation, and limits services like affordable prison calls. It also increases the pressure on prison staff, affecting the overall quality of care and safety inside.

For families, having a loved one in prison can bring intense emotional stress. Feelings of shame, confusion, and isolation are common, and maintaining contact often feels like an uphill battle. Groups like the Prisoners’ Families Helpline offer critical support, helping people stay connected and cope. Online communities such as our Facebook group also provide a safe space to share experiences, find advice, and access resources.

For further tools and guidance, visit our resources page.

Additional tips for locating a prisoner

Locating a prisoner can sometimes be a complex process, especially if the prisoner has been moved between facilities or if there are other legal complications. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

Stay in Contact with the Solicitor:
The solicitor representing your loved one can often provide timely updates on their location and legal status.

‍Monitor Communications:
If you receive any communication from the prisoner, make sure to document the details such as the prison name and their prisoner number. This information is vital for future correspondence.

‍Use Online Resources:
The UK government website (Gov.UK) provides various services and information related to the prison system, including the Find a Prisoner Service. Utilizing these online tools can help streamline the process of locating an inmate.

‍Consider Privacy Laws:
Be aware that the disclosure of a prisoner’s location is subject to privacy laws and the prisoner’s consent. The authorities will not disclose this information without the prisoner’s approval.

‍Seek Professional Advice:
If you encounter difficulties or if the situation is particularly complex, it may be helpful to seek advice from a legal professional who specializes in criminal justice or family law.

How Prison Call can help

Prison Call is a simple service that helps families save money and stay connected. Many inmates are only allowed to call landlines—or calling mobiles costs them significantly more. But many people don’t have landlines anymore.

With Prison Call, you get a virtual landline number that forwards calls directly to your mobile. To the prison system, it looks like a regular landline—so your loved one can call it at a cheaper rate. You don’t need to change your phone, provider, or SIM. It's easy to set up and helps prisoners stretch their limited phone credit further.

Families also get the peace of mind of never missing a call again. And if your loved one moves prisons, they can keep calling the same number as long as it's on their approved list.

Finding someone in the prison system can be frustrating and emotional. But once you know where they are, keeping in touch is key. Regular communication helps prisoners stay mentally strong, reduces reoffending, and keeps relationships alive. Whether you’re trying to find your partner, parent, sibling, or friend, support is available.Services like Prison Call not only save you money—they help make daily contact possible again. And if you're looking for support from people going through the same thing, check out our free community group: Call From Prison Facebook Group. You’ll find guidance, resources, and people who understand what you're facing.