Finding out the specific prison where a person is being held can be a daunting task, especially if you’re unsure of how to navigate the system. However, in the UK, there are several ways through which one can find out which prison someone is in. These include:
Using the Prisoner Location Service
The Prisoner Location Service (PLS) is a free service provided by Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) that you can use to find out where someone is in prison. Here’s how to use it:
Write a letter addressed to the Prisoner Location Service and provide the full name and date of birth of the person you’re seeking to locate, and any additional information you may have, like their Prisoner Number, if known.
In your letter, you should also detail your relationship with this person and why you need to know their location. Remember, this person has the right to refuse to have their location disclosed to you.
Provide your full name and address (including postcode), phone number, and any other contact information. The Prisoner Location Service needs these to get in touch with you.
Please note that the PLS only accepts written requests. Email or phone requests are not entertained. Send your letter to:
Prisoner Location Service
PO Box 2152
Birmingham
B15 1SD
Through a Prison
If you’re keen on saving on your stamp and you happen to have an idea of which prison the person might be in, you can contact the prison directly and ask. The chances are that if they are indeed in that prison, they will be notified and given the option to confirm whether they wish their location to be disclosed to you.
Keep in mind the getting a response may take some time. Typically, the entire process can take up to 40 working days.
Through a Solicitor
If you have solicitor representation, they can directly contact HMPPS and find out where someone is located. For this to work, your solicitor needs to be registered with HMPPS’ secure email system.
Before wrapping things up, it’s crucial to remember that the above are legal ways of finding out where a person is being held in the UK prison system. While you may be impatient to find out there the person in question is, trying to find out in an illegal manner can have serious repercussions, including being punishable by UK law. So always remain patient and exercise caution.
