What prison transfer policies are there in the UK

Prisoners may be transferred to access specific rehabilitation or educational programmes that are not available in their current prison. For instance, inmates might be moved to a facility that offers vocational training in trades such as carpentry, plumbing, or catering, or to a prison with a strong focus on substance misuse treatment.

Resettlement prisons: Some prisoners nearing the end of their sentence are transferred to resettlement prisons (Category D/open prisons), which focus on preparing them for life after release. These prisons offer work-release schemes and community-based rehabilitation programmes.

Operational reasons

Transfers may also occur for operational reasons related to the overall management of the prison system, including:

Overcrowding: If one prison is experiencing overcrowding, inmates may be moved to another facility with more available space. This ensures that prison populations are managed effectively and that inmates have access to adequate facilities.

Prison capacity changes: Sometimes, prisons are repurposed or renovated, leading to the need for inmate transfers. For example, if a prison is temporarily closed for refurbishment, its inmates will be transferred to other facilities.

Safety concerns

In some cases, prisoners may need to be transferred for their own safety or the safety of others. This could occur if an inmate is at risk of violence from other prisoners due to gang conflicts or other disputes.

Witness protection: Inmates who have agreed to cooperate with law enforcement or testify in high-profile cases may be transferred to a different facility for their protection. These transfers are often done discreetly to ensure the prisoner’s safety.

The prison transfer process in the UK

The process of transferring a prisoner in the UK involves several stages and is overseen by prison management and the HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the inmate’s needs, behaviour, and the operational requirements of the prison system.

Request for transfer

A prisoner can request a transfer, particularly for reasons such as proximity to family or access to rehabilitation programmes. However, not all transfer requests are granted, and decisions are based on various factors, including availability of space at the requested facility, the inmate’s behaviour, and security concerns.

Transfer request forms: Inmates can submit a transfer request through their personal officer or prison management. The request is then reviewed by prison staff and, if necessary, escalated to regional prison authorities.

Decision-making process

Once a transfer is considered, a detailed assessment is carried out to determine if the move is appropriate. This assessment may include:

Security review: An inmate’s security category and behaviour history are reviewed to ensure they are being moved to a prison that matches their risk level.

Healthcare needs: Medical professionals may be consulted if the transfer is related to healthcare needs, especially in cases involving mental health or serious physical conditions.

Operational needs: The availability of space, the prison’s capacity to meet the inmate’s needs, and the impact on overall prison operations are also considered.

Prisoner relocation

Once a transfer is approved, the logistics of moving the inmate are arranged. Prisoners are usually transferred in secure vehicles operated by the Prisoner Escort and Custody Services (PECS), which is responsible for transporting inmates between prisons or to court.

Transfers to high-security facilities: For high-risk inmates, extra security measures may be in place during the transfer, including the use of additional staff, restraints, and close monitoring.

Prisoner belongings: When transferred, prisoners are allowed to bring their personal belongings, such as clothing, letters, and legal documents. The prison staff manage the transportation of these items.

Post-transfer orientation

Upon arrival at the new prison, inmates undergo an induction process, similar to when they were first admitted to prison. This process includes:

Health screening: Inmates typically receive a health check to ensure that their medical needs are understood by the new facility’s healthcare team.

Orientation: Prison staff provide information about the prison’s rules, daily routines, and available services, such as educational programmes, work opportunities, and access to healthcare.

Rights of prisoners during transfers

Prisoners in the UK have certain rights during the transfer process, including:

Right to be informed: In most cases, prisoners are given advance notice of their transfer, though in urgent situations, such as for safety reasons, immediate transfers may be necessary without prior notice.

Right to personal belongings: Prisoners have the right to take their personal belongings with them, although items may be limited by the receiving prison’s rules or security requirements.

Right to family contact: After a transfer, prisoners retain the right to contact their family and legal representatives. They are provided with opportunities to notify their family of the transfer and the new location.

Challenges with prison transfers

While prison transfers are essential for maintaining the smooth running of the prison system, they can also present challenges:

Emotional and social impact: Frequent transfers or being moved far from family can affect an inmate’s emotional well-being and disrupt important relationships. Losing access to familiar staff and programmes can also negatively impact an inmate’s rehabilitation process.

Delays in accessing rehabilitation: If inmates are transferred for security or operational reasons, they may face delays in accessing rehabilitation programmes, healthcare, or education at the new prison, especially if there is a waiting list for these services.

Impact on parole and progression: Transfers can sometimes delay an inmate’s progression towards parole or their move to an open prison if the transfer results in a reassessment of their behaviour or security status.