Can a Prisoner Call Anyone in the UK?
The question “Can a prisoner call anyone?” is one that many people ponder, especially those who have loved ones serving time in the UK prison system. Understanding the rules around prison phone calls can be a bit complex, but it’s crucial for maintaining communication with inmates. In this article, we’ll delve into the regulations and limitations that govern phone calls in UK prisons.
The Short Answer: No, Not Just Anyone
In the UK, prisoners can’t call just anyone they wish. There are specific rules and procedures that dictate who inmates can call and under what circumstances.
Pre-Approved List
Before making any calls, prisoners usually need to submit a list of phone numbers for approval by the prison authorities. This list often includes close family members, legal representatives, and sometimes friends.
Security Checks
The numbers submitted are subject to security checks to ensure they are legitimate and pose no risk to the prison’s security or the public.
Can a Prisoner Call Anyone in the UK?
Can a Prisoner Call Anyone in the UK?
Types of Calls and Limitations
Social Calls
These are calls made to family and friends. The frequency and duration of these calls can vary depending on the prison’s policies and the inmate’s behaviour.
Legal Calls
Calls to legal representatives are generally not counted against the inmate’s social call quota. These are considered essential for the prisoner’s legal proceedings.
Restricted Numbers
Certain numbers, such as those for mobile phones, may be restricted depending on the prison’s rules. Also, international calls are often not allowed.
Costs and Payment
Who Pays?
In most cases, the cost of the call is deducted from the prisoner’s own account, which can be topped up by family members or through prison wages.
Call Rates
The rates for prison calls are regulated but can still be quite high compared to standard phone rates.
Prison Categories and Their Impact
High-Security Prisons (Category A)
In high-security prisons, the rules around phone calls are more stringent. The list of approved numbers is scrutinised more closely, and the frequency of calls may be limited.
Medium to Low-Security Prisons (Category B, C, D)
In these prisons, the rules are generally more relaxed, although security checks and pre-approval are still required.
Monitoring and Privacy
Recorded Calls
Most social calls are recorded for security reasons. However, calls to legal representatives are usually confidential and not recorded.
Monitoring
Prison staff may monitor calls to ensure that they do not pose a security risk or involve any illegal activities.
How to Get on the Approved List
If you wish to receive calls from an inmate, you’ll usually need to be added to their pre-approved list. This often involves providing identification and undergoing a security check.
Conclusion
So, can a prisoner call anyone in the UK? The simple answer is no. There are specific rules and procedures that govern who inmates can call, how often they can call, and for how long. While the system is designed to maintain security, it also allows for essential communication between prisoners and their families or legal representatives. Whether you’re looking to stay in touch with a loved one in prison or simply curious about how the system works, understanding the regulations around prison phone calls is crucial.