Prisoner number UK

Prisoner number UK

Prisoner number UK – The prisoner number in the UK is an integral part of the criminal justice system, serving as an essential identifier for individuals serving time. It plays a crucial role in administration, record-keeping, and even communicating with a prisoner. This article aims to provide you with an in-depth understanding of what a prisoner number is, its structure, and its various applications.

Prisoner number UK

What is a Prisoner Number?

When you first enter a prison in the UK, you are assigned a unique identification code known as a prisoner number. This number remains consistent whether you transfer to a different prison or if you return to prison at a later date. Designed to facilitate the tracking of inmates and their belongings, the prisoner number typically follows a format of an ‘A’ followed by four numerals and two alphabets, for example, A1234BC.

Prisoner number UK

Your Prison Record

A prisoner record is a compilation of information that is both digitally stored and printed. This record includes pertinent details such as:

  • Your name and date of birth
  • Your assigned cell
  • Court attendance dates
  • Any prison adjudications
  • Health status and information
  • Participation in work or educational programs

Confidentiality is a top priority; thus, this information is not shared with individuals who are unauthorized to access it, including other prisoners.


Additional Records

Apart from prison records, other entities like healthcare services and resettlement advice services might also keep files on you. These services usually operate on different computer systems and may contain additional information.


Can You Access Your Records?

According to the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA), you have the legal right to request access to information held about you by the prison service, healthcare, and probation departments. Such a request is known as a Subject Access Request. However, not all information will be disclosed to you. Certain details, such as the names of other individuals or information collected for criminal prevention, may be withheld. If you believe necessary information has been withheld, you can ask the Information Commissioner to investigate further.


How to Use a Prisoner Number for Contact

The prisoner number is your key to making contact with someone in prison. You can obtain this number through different channels like letters from the prison, social workers, or solicitors. Once you have this number, which follows the pattern A1234BC, it should be kept securely as it is required for all communication with the inmate.


Finding a Prisoner

If you’re unsure about the location of a prisoner, the Prisoner Location Service HERE

Adding a Prison Number to a Prison Phone for Authorized Calls

When an individual is incarcerated, their assigned prisoner number becomes crucial for various activities, including making authorized outbound phone calls to family and friends. To activate this communication feature, the inmate needs to input their unique prisoner number—typically formatted as ‘A’ followed by four numerals and two alphabets (e.g., A1234BC)—into the prison’s internal phone system. This process allows the prison staff to validate the inmate’s identity and permits them to make calls to pre-approved numbers. After this one-time setup, the prisoner can then make authorized calls to their loved ones, allowing for a line of communication that helps maintain family bonds and friendships while serving time.

Locating a Prisoner for Letters and Correspondence

If you wish to send letters or other forms of correspondence to a prisoner, knowing their prisoner number is essential. This unique identifier ensures that your mail reaches the intended recipient without any issues. Typically formatted as ‘A’ followed by four numerals and two alphabets (e.g., A1234BC), this number should be prominently mentioned on the envelope, along with the inmate’s name and the prison’s address. This specific information expedites the internal sorting process within the prison and ensures the letter reaches the correct individual. You can usually obtain a prisoner’s specific location using services like the Prison Finder on the justice.gov.uk website, which can help you get the exact postal address required for sending mail.

Prisoner number UK