Whether you are expecting a custodial sentence or have been remanded, the first few days are the hardest. Knowing the routine helps.

Reception

From court you will be taken by escort van to a local prison. In reception your property is listed and stored (you can usually keep a limited amount with you), you are searched, photographed and given a prison number, and you will see a nurse for a health screen. Tell them honestly about medication, drug or alcohol use, mental health, and whether you feel at risk; this decides how you are looked after.

You will be given a bedding pack, basic toiletries, and either prison clothing or permission to wear your own, depending on your status. You should get a phone call on the first night; ask for it.

First night and induction

Most prisons have a first night centre or induction wing. Over the following days you will be told the rules, the daily routine, how to order from the canteen (the weekly shop), how the phone system works, and how to apply for visits, work and education. Ask questions; the staff and the peer mentors (prisoners employed to help newcomers, often called Insiders) expect them.

Who's who

  • Prison officers run the wings. They are not police officers, and most are not interested in what you did. Courtesy is usually returned.
  • Your personal officer or key worker is the officer assigned to you; raise problems with them first.
  • Listeners are prisoners trained by Samaritans to support anyone struggling, in confidence, day or night. Ask any officer for one.
  • The chaplaincy supports people of all faiths and none, and can help with family contact.
  • The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) are volunteers who check the prison is run fairly; you can write to them confidentially.

Daily life

Prisons work on a regime: unlock, meals, work or education, association (time out of cell to socialise, shower, phone), and lock-up. Regimes vary a lot between prisons and can be curtailed by staff shortages. Your behaviour is managed through the Incentives policy (basic, standard and enhanced levels), which affects visits, spending and in-cell privileges such as a TV.

Keeping in touch

Your family can send money to your account through the government's "Send money to someone in prison" service. You can make calls to approved numbers using PIN credit; many prisons now have in-cell phones. Letters are allowed in and out (they may be read). Visits need a visiting order, which you request; social visits are usually two or three a month for standard level. Emails can be sent to you via the Email a Prisoner service, and some prisons offer video calls.

Staying safe and keeping your head down

  • You do not have to tell anyone why you are inside, and many people choose not to. Staff should not disclose it either.
  • Do not get into debt. Borrowing tobacco, vapes or canteen items is how most trouble starts.
  • Avoid drugs. Spice and other substances are the biggest cause of violence and medical emergencies in prison.
  • If you are convicted of a sexual offence, or are at risk for another reason, you can ask to be held on a vulnerable prisoner unit (VPU) under Prison Rule 45 for your own protection.
  • If you are threatened or assaulted, tell an officer or use the cell bell. See our guide on safety in prison.

Sentences, categories and moves

After a short period in a local prison, sentenced prisoners are categorised (A to D, with D being open conditions) and usually moved to a training prison. Your offender manager will set a sentence plan covering courses, work and release planning. For most standard determinate sentences you will be released at the halfway or two-thirds point on licence, and Home Detention Curfew (tag) can bring release earlier.

If you are on remand

Unconvicted prisoners have extra rights: more visits, your own clothes, no requirement to work, and access to your solicitor for legal visits and calls. Time on remand counts towards any sentence.

Getting help

The Prisoners' Advice Service, Prison Reform Trust advice line and the Howard League (for under-21s) give free, independent advice. Every prison also has a formal complaints system, and beyond that the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.

This guide reflects the position in England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland run separate prison systems.