Contacting an inmate in a UK prison may seem daunting initially, but it’s more straightforward than you might think. There are set rules and regulations in place which need to be followed by both the inmate and the individual wanting to keep in touch. Let’s walk you through those guidelines.
1. Letters:
One of the easiest ways to maintain contact with an inmate is by writing letters. You can write as often as you like, but there are certain rules to follow:
Your letters must include the inmate’s name, their prison number, and the full name and address of the prison.
Your own name and address must be written on the back of the envelope.
Keep in mind that all letters are checked by prison staff for security reasons. As a result, avoid disclosing sensitive personal information in your letters.
2. Telephones:
Another common method of communication with inmates is through phone calls. However, these calls have their own guidelines:
Inmates can only make calls, they cannot receive them. So, you will need to wait for them to call you.
Phone calls are paid for by the inmate’s own account.
Security measures are in place for these calls too. All calls are recorded for security purposes.
3. Emails:
The UK prison system allows you to send emails to inmates using a service called Email a Prisoner. The messages are printed out and given to the inmates. Here are the rules:
You must create an account on the Email a Prisoner website.
Each message costs 40p and you can pay via debit/credit card. You can also prepay for replies from the inmate.
Like all communications, these printed emails are also checked by prison officers.
4. Voicemails:
You can leave a voicemail message for the inmate to listen to at their convenience through the service, ‘Prison Voicemail’. The important rules to remember are:
You need to create an account on the Prison Voicemail website.
There is a fee for this service and messages are checked for security reasons.
It’s important to keep your communications appropriate and follow the established guidelines to avoid your messages from being disallowed due to safety issues.
Most importantly, keep in mind that these are challenging times for inmates and regular communication from loved ones can greatly support their wellbeing during their time in prison.
Please note that each individual prison may have additional rules specific to its establishment. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to verify the rules of the particular prison.
Communication methods can vary depending on the security level of the prison, and the privileges the inmate has earned. Regular and positive communication can encourage inmates to adapt to prison changes, and help prepare them for life after release. So, let’s help bridge the gap and keep communication lines open.
