CJS working together for the public

Women prisoners are encouraged to wear their own clothes. Male prisoners are usually issued with uniform clothing, depending on which level of the Incentives and Earned Privileges Scheme they are on. Remand prisoners are generally allowed to wear their own clothes.

A strip search will mean that the prisoner removes their clothes and is searched for drugs or weapons. This is carried out with as much respect as possible for an individual's dignity and privacy.

Property is kept locked away in an area that only prison officers have access to.

Some prisoners are kept in separate units away from the main area of the prison for their own protection or in the interests of good order or discipline within the prison. This can be for a number of social reasons, including convictions for sexual offences.

The prisoner should tell the officer when they first arrive in prison that they intend to appeal against their conviction or sentence.

The Prisoner should give the name of their solicitor to the Prison Officer when they first arrive, letting the officer know that they would like to apply for bail.

If someone has just been remanded into custody or sentenced to imprisonment, relatives or friends can contact the court in which they were sentenced. If they have been in custody for a few weeks you can write to the Prisoner Location Service, PO Box 2152, Birmingham B15 1SD but you must give the following information:

• Full name and date of birth for prisoner
• Your relationship to them
• Why you want to make contact

The prisoner will be contacted and if they agree the location will be made known to you. This process will take 2-3 weeks and is only available via the post.

The National Prisoners Families Helpline exists to provide the families and friends of prisoners with free and confidential information and support.

Women prisoners are encouraged to wear their own clothes. Male prisoners are usually issued with uniform clothing, depending on which level of the Incentives and Earned Privileges Scheme they are on. Remand prisoners are generally allowed to wear their own clothes.

Prisoners' hair will not be cut without their consent.

Prisoners will be allowed to send a letter, or make a phone call to let their family know where they are.

Prisoners should talk to a prison officer about anything worrying them, especially the prison officers on their wing or unit or their personal officer. Prisoners trained as Listeners are available to help in some prisons. You could also talk to a member of the healthcare team or the multi faith chaplaincy team.

Samaritans works to support prisoners throughout the UK in two ways:

• Samaritan volunteers visit local prisons:
  • Some branches operate visiting projects, where volunteers offer emotional support directly to prisoners face to face. Prisoners are welcome to contact Samaritans themselves in the normal ways.
• Prisoner Listener schemes:
  • Volunteers from some branches go into prisons and select, train and support prisoners to listen to their fellow inmates. These Listeners befriend fellow prisoners in line with the values of Samaritans.

There are also a number of organisations offering help and support to Prisoners and their families. Visit our support page for links to relevant organisations.

Prisoners who are feeling anxious or depressed should talk to either a prison officer or to a member of the healthcare team. Prisoners trained as Listeners are available to help in some prisons. You could also talk to a member of the multi faith chaplaincy team.

Tell the healthcare workers who see them when they arrive. Treatment programmes are available in many prisons to help with these problems.

On arrival the prisoner should let the prison officers know of any medication they have to take. They will not be able to keep medication in their possession. The prison doctor will prescribe medication. If the doctor approves any medication it will be given out by the healthcare centre.