Prison Reception: Arrival at the Prison

Last reviewed: June 2026

Quick answer: “Reception” is the formal process of being booked into prison on the first day. After arriving from court in a secure van, a person is searched, their property is logged, they have a health and risk screening, and they are given basic kit and a cell. It can take several hours and feels impersonal, but it is routine for staff. Most people cannot phone home until the next day or two, once approved numbers and account credit are set up — so no call on day one is completely normal.

The first day inside is the part families worry about most. This guide walks through exactly what happens in reception, in the order it usually happens, so you know what your relative is going through and what to expect afterwards. It is written plainly and calmly — the process is daunting, but it is well-trodden.

Getting there: from court to prison

Most people arrive at prison straight from court, usually in a secure escort van run by a contractor. The journey can be long and uncomfortable, with several stops, and a person may arrive late in the day. By the time they reach reception they are often tired, hungry and anxious. None of that is unusual, and staff deal with new arrivals every day.

What happens in reception, step by step

Reception follows a fairly standard pattern, though details vary between prisons:

Step	What it involves
Booking in	Identity confirmed, paperwork from court checked, photo taken
Search	A search of the person and their belongings for security
Property	Belongings logged; some kept (“in possession”), some stored or sent out
Health screen	A nurse asks about medication, physical and mental health, and risk
Risk & first night	Assessment of immediate risk; first-night cell allocated
Basics issued	Bedding, basic toiletries, a first-night pack, information about the prison

The health and risk screening matters a great deal. It is the moment to mention any medication, physical condition or mental-health concern, including any thoughts of self-harm. Honesty here helps staff keep the person safe and ensures prescriptions continue. If your relative takes regular medication, it helps if they can name it clearly.

The first night

After reception, new arrivals usually spend their first night on a dedicated first-night or induction wing, where staff keep a closer eye on people who are new and vulnerable. Over the following days there is an induction that explains the daily routine, how to book visits, how the phone and canteen systems work, and how to apply for work or education. This is when life begins to take on a shape.

From experience: Daniel Hockey, the founder of Prison Guide, went through reception himself at the start of his sentence at HMP Wandsworth before progressing to open conditions at HMP Ford. His advice to families is simple: expect the first 24–48 hours to be quiet on the phone front, and don’t read anything into the silence. You can read more on the about Daniel Hockey page.

Why you may not hear from them straight away

This is the question families ask most. A new arrival usually cannot phone home on the first day because they need to register approved phone numbers and have money on their account before the prison phone system will let them call. Setting this up can take a day or two. To help, make sure money is on the way using the free government send money to a prisoner service, and be ready to confirm your number when asked.

Common misunderstandings:

“No phone call means something has gone wrong.” It almost always just means numbers and credit are not set up yet.
“They can take all their belongings in.” Only limited items are allowed “in possession”; the rest is stored or sent out.
“Reception is quick.” It can take several hours, especially if the person arrives late from court.
“Mentioning mental-health struggles will count against them.” The opposite — it helps staff keep them safe and continue any treatment.

Frequently asked questions

How long does prison reception take?

Often several hours, depending on how busy the prison is and how late the person arrives from court.

Can they keep their own clothes?

It depends on the prison and the person’s status; many prisons issue clothing, while some allow limited personal items. Anything not allowed in is stored or sent out.

When can I expect a phone call?

Usually within the first day or two, once approved numbers and account credit are in place.

What if my relative is on regular medication?

They should tell the nurse during the health screening. Continuity of medication is part of the reception process, so it helps to name the medication clearly.

Can I send anything in for the first night?

The prison provides a first-night pack. The most useful thing you can do is send money so they can buy phone credit and canteen items.

For what comes before and after, see our guides to going into prison and to specific prisons such as HMP Wandsworth. For official guidance, the GOV.UK staying in touch pages are a reliable starting point.