Prison Life: Arriving At Prison - GOV.UK

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1. Home
2. Crime, justice and the law
3. Prisons and probation

Prison life Skip contents

Contents

1. Arriving at prison
2. Prisoner privileges and rights
3. Healthcare in prison
4. Vulnerable prisoners
5. Pregnancy and childcare in prison
6. Education and work in prison

Arriving at prison

When someone arrives at prison they have at least one interview and assessment with a qualified professional so they:

• know what their rights are
• get help with their physical and mental health, for example with sexual health or drug and alcohol problems
• are told what courses they can do in prison
• understand prison rules and procedures

The prisoner gets a prisoner number and their property is recorded and put somewhere safe until they’re released.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Security categories

Prisoners are given a security category based on:

• how likely they are to try to escape
• their risk of causing harm to other prisoners and prison staff

A prisoner may be transferred to another prison with a different security category at any time.

Next:Prisoner privileges and rights View a printable version of the whole guide

Related content

• Leaving prison
• Support for families and friends of prisoners
• Staying in touch with someone in prison

Explore the topic

• Prisons and probation

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