Skip to content Skip to main menu Skip to utility menu

Prisons and probation

Listing page 1


Am I allowed to use the phone in prison, and who can I call?  Task  How do I? 

There are phones that you can use when you’re in prison. 


Can my loved ones visit me in prison?  Task

Your loved ones can visit you when you’re in prison. This includes your partner and close family members.  


Categorisation of adult male prisoners  Task  How do I? 

Categorising means deciding how much security you will need in prison. Your Category determines the type of prison you will go to.


How can I find or locate a prisoner?  Task  How do I? 

Use the Prisoner Location Service to find which prison someone is in.


How can I make a complaint about my probation officer?  Task

Probation means that you’re serving your sentence outside of prison. You could be put on probation because you’re serving a community sentence or you have been released from prison on licence or parole. Parole is where you are able to leave prison before the end of your sentence if you agree to certain conditions.  


How do I send money to someone in prison  Task  How do I? 

You can use the Ministry of Justice online service to make a payment by Visa, Mastercard or Maestro debit card. Money usually takes less than 3 working days to reach a prisoner’s account, but it may take longer.


I have been referred to MAPPA, what now?  Task

If you have specific support needs, being referred to MAPPA can help you find the support you need.


I’m a Schedule One offender, what does this mean?  Task

A Schedule One offender is a person convicted of one of the crimes listed in the Children and Young Persons Act 1933. However, the term Schedule One offender has now been replaced with the term ‘person posing a risk to children’.


I’m about to be released from prison – what do I need to know?  Task  How do I? 

There are things you can do to help get ready for release from prison, including thinking about housing, benefits and who can help you in the community. Your Offender Supervisor can help you as you plan for your release. 


I’m scared of going to prison – what is it like?  Task  How do I? 

When you start your sentence, you will go through a reception process where you will be interviewed, given a prison number and a release date, and searched to check you are not hiding anything that you should not have.