How To Find A Prisoner

Finding out a friend or family member has been arrested and remanded into custody can be an incredibly disorienting and stressful experience. The initial period is often shrouded in uncertainty, as information about their location and well-being is tightly controlled due to privacy and security protocols. This guide is designed to demystify the process, offering a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap for locating a loved one within the complex UK prison system and maintaining crucial contact with them. We'll delve into the intricacies of the process, from the moment of arrest through to their eventual sentencing and transfer, providing essential advice and a wealth of detail to help you navigate this challenging journey.

The emotional weight of this situation cannot be understated. For both the individual in prison and their loved ones on the outside, maintaining a strong connection is vital for mental and emotional well-being. It provides a lifeline, a sense of continuity, and a crucial reminder of the support network waiting for them. Our aim is to empower you with the knowledge needed to overcome the initial hurdles and establish a regular, reliable means of communication.

The landscape of UK prisons is vast and varied, encompassing over 100 institutions across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Each has its own rules, procedures, and population. Understanding this environment is the first step towards feeling more in control of a situation that often feels entirely out of your hands. This guide will not only help you locate your loved one but also shed light on the system they are now a part of, offering practical advice and insight into how to best support them from a distance.

The Arrest and Initial Remand

The moments immediately following an arrest are perhaps the most difficult. When someone is taken into police custody, their information is not immediately accessible to the public or even to family members. The police are bound by strict data protection and privacy laws which limit what they can disclose. While you may know they have been arrested, you are unlikely to be told which police station they are being held at or when they will appear in court. This period of waiting, often extending for several days, can be fraught with anxiety and speculation.

During this time, the arrested individual is held at a police station and will have access to a solicitor. It is the solicitor who can provide the first reliable updates on their situation. They are legally permitted to communicate with the family, relaying information about the person’s well-being and, crucially, their court appearance date and location. It is therefore paramount to know which solicitor is representing them. If you don't know, you can try contacting the local police force in the area where the arrest took place and ask if they can provide the solicitor's details. They may not be able to, but it is worth the attempt.

Following their court appearance, a number of outcomes are possible. They may be released, either without charge or on bail. If they are remanded into custody, they will be transferred to a local prison. This is often an HMP (Her Majesty's Prison) where they will be assessed before being assigned to a more permanent facility. This initial transfer to prison can happen quickly, and the family is rarely notified of the specific location beforehand. This is where the official search begins.

Utilising the Prisoner Location Service

Once you believe your loved one has been remanded into custody and is no longer at a police station, you can use the official Prisoner Location Service. This service is operated by the Ministry of Justice and is the most reliable way to find out which prison an individual has been moved to. It is important to note that this service is specifically for England and Wales. Separate procedures and services exist for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

To use the service, you must have specific personal information about the person you are searching for. The key details required are their full name and their date of birth. The service will not provide any information without these two critical pieces of data, again due to privacy considerations. They also recommend having their prison number if you know it, though this is not essential for the initial search.

The process is as follows: you can call the Prisoner Location Service helpline. A trained officer will take your details and, if they match a person in the system, they will provide you with the name of the prison where the individual is being held. It is crucial to remember that they will not provide any other information, such as their prison number, wing, or any details about their case. Their sole purpose is to confirm the location. You should be prepared for potential delays and for the fact that the person may have been moved recently.

For those in Scotland, a similar service is available through the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), and for Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) manages a similar locator service. Each has its own contact details and protocols, so it is important to check the relevant official websites for the most up-to-date information.

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.

Understanding the UK Prison System

The UK prison system is not a monolithic entity. It is a complex network of institutions, each with a different role and security level. Understanding this structure can help you prepare for what your loved one might experience and anticipate potential transfers.The system in England and Wales operates on a security category basis, ranging from A to D:

‍Category A:
Reserved for male prisoners who pose the most significant risk to the public, national security, or the police. These are the most secure prisons.

‍Category B:
For prisoners who do not require Category A-level security but for whom escape must be made very difficult.

‍Category C:
For prisoners who cannot be trusted in open conditions but are unlikely to try to escape. They may be moved to a Category C prison to prepare them for eventual release.

‍Category D:
These are "open" prisons, where prisoners are trusted to serve their sentences with minimal supervision. They are often preparing for release and may be allowed to work in the community.

Additionally, there are separate prisons for women, young offenders, and dedicated local prisons used for individuals on remand or serving short sentences.It is common for prisoners to be moved between facilities. These transfers can be for various reasons: a change in security category, the availability of a specific programme or course, or simply due to overcrowding. These transfers are often unannounced, leaving families in the dark for a period. If you try to call or write and receive no response, the first step should always be to use the Prisoner Location Service again. Patience is key during these periods, as it may take a few days for the new prison to process the new inmate and for their details to be updated in the central system.

Re-establishing Contact

Once you know where your loved one is, the immediate priority is to re-establish contact. Staying in touch is crucial for both their mental well-being and yours. It provides a sense of support, reduces the feelings of isolation, and helps them maintain a connection to their life outside. The primary methods of communication are through phone calls, letters, email, and visits.

Letters:
This is the most traditional form of communication and a deeply valued one. Letters provide a tangible connection to the outside world. It is important to write the full address, including their name, prison number, and the full prison address. Be aware that all mail is subject to security checks, so avoid sending anything that could be considered contraband.

‍Phone Calls:
Prisoners can make outgoing calls from approved phone numbers, but they cannot receive incoming calls. The cost of these calls has historically been very high, making regular communication a financial burden for many families. This is where services like Prison Call come into play. By providing a virtual landline number that redirects calls to a mobile, these services allow prisoners to call at the significantly cheaper landline rate, making regular contact much more affordable. They offer a simple, cost-effective solution to a major logistical problem.

‍Emails:
The email system for prisoners is not like standard email. Services like Email a Prisoner allow you to send an email which is then printed and delivered to the prisoner. This is often faster than sending a traditional letter. The prisoner can then reply by post.

‍Visits:
The importance of face-to-face visits cannot be overstated. They are a powerful way to reinforce your bond and provide a much-needed morale boost. All visits must be booked in advance, and you will need to be on an approved visitors list. The process for booking a visit varies by prison, but typically involves registering online or by phone. All visitors must be prepared to go through security checks upon arrival.

The Prison Environment

The UK prison system has a dual purpose: to punish and to rehabilitate. While punishment is the visible aspect, the rehabilitative efforts are critical for reducing re-offending and helping individuals reintegrate into society. Prisons offer various education programmes, vocational training, and therapy sessions. Encouraging your loved one to engage with these programmes is a powerful way to support their journey towards a positive future.

However, the system faces significant challenges. Overcrowding is a persistent issue, leading to strained resources and sometimes difficult living conditions. Budgetary constraints can impact the quality of food, healthcare, and educational programmes. The standard of healthcare in prisons is a particular concern, with access to mental health support and treatment for long-term conditions often being inadequate. These issues can create a challenging environment for inmates and are a source of worry for their families.

Despite these challenges, many charities and support groups work tirelessly to improve the lives of prisoners and their families. They provide invaluable services, from legal advice to emotional support.

Support for Families

The emotional toll on families of prisoners is immense. The feelings of isolation, shame, and helplessness are common. It is vital to seek out support for yourself during this period. You are not alone, and there are organisations dedicated to helping you.The Prisoners' Families Helpline is a confidential and free service that provides emotional support, advice, and information on various topics, from legal issues to prison procedures. They are a first point of contact for many families feeling overwhelmed and in need of guidance.There are also numerous local and online support groups, such as the "Call From Prison Facebook Group," where families can connect with others going through similar experiences. Sharing stories and advice in a supportive environment can be a powerful antidote to the isolation that often comes with this situation.

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.

In conclusion, navigating the UK prison system to find and support a loved one is a daunting task, but it is not an impossible one. By understanding the processes, using the official services, and staying informed, you can maintain a strong, supportive relationship with your loved one. Remember that communication is the key to preserving your bond, and that there are many resources available to help you on this journey.