How Do Visitation Rights Work in UK Prisons?

Types of Visits

Social Visits

These are the most common types of visits, usually involving close family and friends. The frequency and duration of social visits can vary depending on the prison’s policies and the inmate’s behaviour.

Legal Visits

These are visits from legal representatives. They are usually conducted in a more private setting and are not counted against the inmate’s social visit quota.

Special Visits

In certain circumstances, such as a family emergency, special visits may be granted. These are subject to approval and may require additional documentation.

Visitation Rules by Prison Category

Category A Prisons

In high-security prisons, visitation is more restricted. Visitors may be subject to thorough searches, and the number of visits may be limited.

Category B and C Prisons

Visitation rules in these prisons are generally less stringent than in Category A facilities but still involve security checks and pre-approval.

Category D Open Prisons

These prisons have the most relaxed visitation policies, often allowing more frequent visits and sometimes even overnight stays.

How to Schedule a Visit

Visits usually need to be scheduled in advance, either online or via phone. Some prisons have specific visiting hours, while others may offer more flexibility.

What to Expect During the Visit

Security Measures

Expect to go through security checks upon arrival. This can include metal detectors and sometimes even sniffer dogs.

Supervision

Most visits are supervised to some extent, although the level of supervision can vary depending on the prison and the type of visit.

Restrictions

There are usually restrictions on what you can bring into the visiting area. Items like mobile phones, cameras, and food are generally not allowed.

Impact on Inmate Privileges

Good behaviour can lead to more visitation privileges for inmates, such as longer visits or the ability to receive more visitors at one time.

Conclusion

Understanding how visitation rights work in UK prisons is crucial for family members and friends of inmates. From the pre-approval process to the types of visits and rules governing each, there’s a lot to consider. While the system aims to maintain a balance between security and the well-being of inmates, the rules can vary widely depending on the prison category and individual circumstances. Whether you’re planning your first visit or trying to understand the system better, this guide offers a comprehensive look at what you can expect when visiting a loved one in a UK prison.