Prison Walkthrough - Arrival
Reception
The first place the prisoner will come to on arriving at prison is reception. A prison officer will list any things brought with the prisoner. All prisoners will be strip searched when entering reception. Their clothes may be taken away and they will be issued with prison clothing. The prisoner may be allowed to keep some personal items and the rest will be taken away for safekeeping. This is called the prisoner's "property". Everything taken will be returned when they leave prison. The prisoner may have a bath or shower. The prisoner will be given a prison number and told where to sleep.
An officer will take the prisoner to the cell or dormitory. If the prisoner has any questions they should ask a prison officer, as other prisoners may not have the right information. The Prison Service produces a booklet explaining the prison rules of which each prisoners should receive a copy.
As soon as possible after their arrival the prisoner will have a reception interview. They will sit with their probation officer, or in some prisons a personal officer, who will have been assigned to them on entry to the prison. This is a chance for them to tell prison staff of any problem troubling them or ask any further questions.
Health Care
The prisoner will see a member of the prison healthcare team. They should tell the healthcare team if they have any problems like drug or alcohol addiction, HIV or if they take regular medication. It is important that prisoners who feel very low or panicky should tell the Healthcare staff straight away.
Pregnancy
Female prisoners should tell the Healthcare staff if they are pregnant. Some women's prisons have mother and baby units where mothers may be able to nurse their babies. Pregnant prisoners must apply for a place in a mother and baby unit.
Contacting Family on Arrival
When arriving at prison the prisoner will be allowed one postage paid letter or a telephone call to inform their family or a friend of the prison they are in.