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Prisoner number - what it's for

Prisoners are given a prison number when they first arrive. The number helps prison staff keep track of the person’s prison files and any personal property that they bring with them, like clothing.

The prisoner number stays the same - even if the prisoner moves to another prison.

Personal property - what happens to it

When a prisoner first arrives at prison, their property is recorded and put somewhere safe. Prisoners may be able to keep some items they bring with them, but the rest will not be returned until they leave prison.

Health check

Every prisoner is given a basic check-up when they first arrive. This is to make sure that:

• prison staff understand any health problems the prisoner has
• the prisoner is given the healthcare they need

The health check also looks at any mental health condition the prisoner may have.

• Healthcare in prison

• Help for prisoners with a mental health condition

The reception interview

When a prisoner arrives, they have an interview with a member of the prison staff.

The reception interview gives the prisoner another chance to talk about any problems they may have - like drug or alcohol addiction. Staff may then be able to help deal with these issues during the prisoner’s time in prison.

• Healthcare in prison

Induction – learning what prison life is like

Prisoners can ask for a copy of the 'Prisoners' Information Book' when they enter prison. This handbook contains information about life in prison and the person’s rights while they're in prison.

The prisoner is also given an 'induction session' to introduce them to life as a prisoner. It explains how the prison works and helps the prisoner think about how they’re going to use their time in custody.

If a prisoner wants to learn a skill while in prison, they can tell prison staff during the induction session.

• Education, training and working in prison

The sentence plan

Most prisoners have a plan drawn up near the beginning of their sentence which has specific goals in it.

These could be to look at:

• improving the prisoner’s skills - for example, helping them to read and write better
• changing their behaviour for the better

Offender Behaviour Programmes

A prisoner may attend one or more ‘Offender Behaviour Programmes’ while in prison. Programmes aim to change the way the prisoner thinks about certain things and include:

• anger management courses - if they find it hard to ‘keep in control’ or are violent
• thinking skills - for example, teaching them to see something from another person’s point of view

Someone who has committed a serious offence (for example a violent or sexual crime) will have access to programmes that deal with their behaviour.

If a prisoner needs support when they arrive at prison

Arriving at prison can be a difficult experience. If a prisoner has worries or problems when they arrive, they can talk to someone.

There are people in prison who can support prisoners, including:

• the prisoner’s personal officer
• the officer in charge of the person’s prison unit
• the prison chaplain

A prisoner can also talk to someone in prison who has been trained by the Samaritans. These talking sessions are known as ‘Listener Schemes.’