How to Find a Prisoner in the UK

If you’re trying to find a prisoner in the UK, whether for personal, legal, or support reasons, it’s important to understand the correct and lawful ways to do so. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to locate someone in prison using approved methods, what details you need, and the steps you must take to ensure compliance with privacy and security regulations.

Can You Find a Prisoner in the UK?

Yes, under certain conditions, members of the public can find out if someone is currently in prison and where they are being held. However, you must have a legitimate reason, and in most cases, the prisoner must give permission for their details to be shared.

Government Service: Prisoner Location Service

The main way to find a prisoner in England and Wales is through the official Prisoner Location Service, operated by HM Prison and Probation Service. This free service can tell you where someone is in custody, if certain criteria are met.

How It Works

Write or email the Prisoner Location Service with:
- The prisoner’s full name
- Their date of birth
- Your name and address
- Why you want to make contact
- Your relationship to the prisoner
If the prisoner agrees to be contacted, the service will provide you with the address of the prison where they are being held.

Email: [email protected]
Postal Address:
Prisoner Location Service
PO Box 17594
Birmingham
B2 2QP

What If You Don’t Have All the Details?

If you don’t know the exact date of birth or the full legal name, it may be more difficult to locate the prisoner. However, the more information you can provide, the better the chances of success. If you have a rough idea of where they were sentenced or which area they may be held in, this can help narrow the search.

Privacy and Consent

Prisoners must give consent before their location can be shared. Without this, even family members may not be informed of their whereabouts. The Prisoner Location Service will not release information to the public without this express consent.

Scotland and Northern Ireland

For prisoners in Scotland, contact the Scottish Prison Service. For Northern Ireland, contact the Northern Ireland Prison Service.

Alternatives to Locate a Prisoner

Try contacting mutual acquaintances or family members who may already be in contact with the prisoner.
If you are a solicitor or part of a legal team, you may have more direct access through official channels.
Charities such as the Prisoners’ Families Helpline can also provide guidance and support.

FAQs

Is there a database to find prisoners in the UK?

No public searchable database exists. All requests must go through the official Prisoner Location Service or similar channels.

How long does it take to get a response?

It usually takes around 2–4 weeks to receive a reply via post or email, depending on workload and consent.

Can I visit a prisoner once I find them?

If the prisoner has agreed to contact, you can usually arrange visits through the prison’s official visitation procedures.

Can I send mail before getting confirmation?

It’s best to wait for confirmation before sending any letters or parcels to avoid them being undelivered or destroyed.

Conclusion

Finding a prisoner in the UK is possible, but it must be done through legal and respectful means. The Prisoner Location Service offers a secure and structured way to reconnect with someone in custody. Always ensure your reasons for contact are genuine and that you follow the correct process to avoid delays.