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 Prison Walkthrough - Accommodation

Below are some frequently asked questions about accommodation in prison. To find out more information about a specific prison, visit the prison service website.
 
  • Do prisoners have to share a cell?
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    In most prisons there are few single cells, so it is most likely that cells will be shared.

  • Do non-smokers have to share with a smoker?
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    Where possible, non-smokers will be given non-smoking cells. However, this may not always be possible.

  • What kind of items can prisoners keep in their cells?
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    The rules about the property will vary in different prisons, but generally the following items are allowed:

    • A radio (rules apply to radios so check these with a prison officer)
    • A choice of record, cassette or cd player or a combined system that includes a radio plus records, cd's or cassettes
    • At least six newspapers and magazines
    • At least three books
    • A diary or personal organiser
    • A calendar
    • Stamps
    • Photographs and pictures (though not with glass frames)
    • Hobby materials
    • Batteries
    • Writing and drawing materials
    • A battery shaver
    • A wedding or plain ring and one pair of plain earrings
    • Tobacco, cigarettes etc (limits apply)
    • An address book
    • Phone cards
    • Greetings Cards
    • Religious Articles
    • Games
    • A wrist watch
    • A manual typewriter
    • Personal toiletries
    • A medallion or locket

    The prisoner may also be allowed a bigger item like a birdcage, and their legal papers but generally speaking the prisoner's belongings must fit into two boxes.

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