[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"prison-cases-bedford":3,"stats-overview":5,"prison-bedford":12},{"data":4},[],{"officers":6,"forces":7,"courts":8,"prisons":9,"hearings":10,"legals":11},769,50,224,120,41,11437,{"id":13,"slug":14,"name":15,"address":16,"visit_hours":17,"email":17,"phone":18,"description":19,"established":20,"inp_report":17,"capacity":21,"ff1":17,"ff2":17,"ff3":17,"ff4":17,"ff5":17,"ff6":17,"ff7":17,"ff8":17,"aerialimage":17,"buildingimage":17,"category_id":22,"country_id":23,"county_id":24,"city":17,"city_id":17,"urn_id":17,"operator_id":17,"updated_at":25,"created_at":17,"govuk_slug":26,"govuk_updated_at":27,"visiting_text":28,"keep_in_touch_text":29,"send_money_text":30,"life_text":31,"support_text":32,"contact_text":33,"operator_name":34,"operating_for":17,"latitude":35,"longitude":36},"5","bedford","Bedford","St. Loyes Street, Bedford MK40 1HG",null,"+441234 373000","HMP Bedford, which has been on the same site since 1801, is a category B prison for male adults. It was developed in 1849, and further construction took place in the 1990s, adding a gate lodge, health care facility (with 12 beds and 24 hour care) and house block. The prison has the capacity to hold up to 506 inmates, and is a local prison; which means that it detains individuals on remand to the local courts, in addition to inmates who have been sentenced.","1801",506,"2",101,152,"2026-10-07T08:31:38.000Z","bedford-prison","2026-08-04T07:39:52.000Z","To visit someone in Bedford Prison you must:\n\n- be on that person's visitor list\n- book your visit in advance (usually 2 working days notice)\n- have the required ID with you when you arrive\n\nContact Bedford Prison or socialvisits.bedford@justice.gov.uk if you have any questions about visiting.\n\nHelp with the cost of your visit\n\nIf you get certain benefits or have an NHS health certificate, you might be able to get help with the costs of your visit (https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Fhelp-with-prison-visits), including:\n\n- travel to Bedford Prison\n- somewhere to stay overnight\n- meals\n\nHow to book family and friends visits\n\nYou can book your visit online (https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Fprison-visits) or by telephone.\n\nTelephone booking line, 0345 646 2277\n\nFind out about call charges (https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Fcall-charges)\n\nThe booking lines are open:\n\n- Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm\n\nVisiting times:\n\n- Wednesday, 2pm to 4pm\n- Thursday, 2pm to 4pm\n- Saturday, 2pm to 4pm\n- Sunday, 2pm to 4pm\n\nPlease arrive early. The visits centre opens at 1pm. Last entry will be 2:15pm.\n\nEmail enquiries can be sent to socialvisits.bedford@justice.gov.uk\n\nHow to book official visits\n\nTo arrange an official video or face to face visit you can email, legalvisits.bedford@justice.gov.uk.\n\nOfficial video and face to face visit times:\n\n- Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 10:30am, 10:45am to 11:45am, 2pm to 3pm and 3:15pm to 4:15pm\n\nGetting to Bedford Prison\n\nFind Bedford Prison on a map (https:\u002F\u002Fconsent.google.com\u002Fm?continue=https:\u002F\u002Fwww.google.com\u002Fmaps\u002Fplace\u002FHMP%2BBedford\u002F@52.1389694,-0.4717896,17z\u002Fdata%3D!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4877b6d00cfcbe1b:0x65ca60c3492004d6!8m2!3d52.1389661!4d-0.4696009?shorturl%3D1&gl=IE&m=0&pc=m&uxe=eomtm&cm=2&hl=en&src=1)\n\nBedford railway station is a 15-minute walk, or taxis are available at the station. The bus station is a 3-minute walk.\n\nTo plan your journey by public transport:\n\n- use National Rail Enquiries (https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nationalrail.co.uk\u002F)\n- use Traveline for local bus times (https:\u002F\u002Fwww.traveline.info\u002F)\n\nThere is no visitor car parking available at Bedford Prison. There are car parks (https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bedford.gov.uk\u002Fparking-roads-and-travel\u002Fparking\u002Fcar-parks-public-and-private\u002F) in the town centre a short walk away.\n\nThere is disabled access to the visitors centre and the prison. If possible, please let staff know of any additional needs before you arrive.\n\nEntering Bedford Prison\n\nAll visitors, aged 16 or older must prove their identity before entering the prison. Read the list of acceptable forms of ID for all visitors. (https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Fgovernment\u002Fpublications\u002Fmanagement-of-security-at-visits-policy-framework-closed-estate\u002Facceptable-forms-of-identification-id-when-visiting-a-prison-in-england-and-wales-annex-a).\n\nThere are strict controls on what you can take into Bedford Prison. You will have to leave most of the things you have with you in a locker (you need a £1 coin). This includes pushchairs and car seats. Visitors must arrive at the visitor centre to use the lockers. The visits centre is the blue door to the left of the main gate.\n\nYou are then expected to check in at the main gate with your ID. Once inside the gate area you will be searched by a member of staff. There will also be a sniffer dog. You will be asked again if you're carrying any unauthorised articles before you enter the visits hall.\n\nYou will be given a wrist band that should be worn at all times, you will then be escorted to the visits hall.\n\nVisitors should dress sensibly. You may be turned away if you are wearing items like vests, low-cut tops, high-cut shorts or dresses, or clothing with offensive slogans.\n\nNo open toe sandals or flip flops allowed.\n\nYou will be told the rules when booking and by an officer at the start of your visit. If you break the rules, your visit could be cancelled, and you could be banned from visiting again.\n\nVisiting facilities\n\nThe tea bar is open where a selection of basic drinks and snacks will be available.\n\nYou may bring up to £20 per adult and £10 per child up to a maximum of £50 to spend in each session.\n\nYou will have to bring this in coins only and in clear plastic bags.\n\nThe play areas in the visitor centre and visitors hall are now open.","You may not be able to speak with someone at Bedford Prison during their first few days. This is because it can take up to 5 days to approve who they can be in touch with.\n\nPrisoners do not have phones in their cells so they will always need to call you rather than you call them.\n\nPhones are switched on from 7am until 10pm (11pm for enhanced prisoners).\n\nWe have recently introduced a ‘reception visit' where 2 tables are set aside for new receptions. Please contact socialvisits.bedford@justice.gov.uk for further information.\n\nSecure video calls\n\nTo have a secure video call with someone in this prison you need to:\n\n- Download the Prison Video app (https:\u002F\u002Fprisonvideo.com\u002Fapp)\n- Create an account\n- Register all visitors\n- Add the prisoner to your contact list.\n\nHow to book a secure video call\n\nSecure video calls at this prison can be requested by prisoners only.\n\nYou will receive a notification if a prisoner has requested a video call with you.\n\nRead more about how it works (https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Fguidance\u002Fvisit-a-prisoner-using-a-video-call)\n\nPhone calls\n\nPrisoners can phone anyone named on their approved list of friends and family. This list is checked by the public protection team.\n\nYou can also exchange voicemails using the Prison Voicemail service (https:\u002F\u002Fprisonvoicemail.com\u002F).\n\nAuthorised officers may listen to phone calls as a way of preventing crime and helping keep people safe.\n\nEmail\n\nYou can send emails to someone in Bedford Prison using the Email a Prisoner service (https:\u002F\u002Fwww.emailaprisoner.com\u002F).\n\nYou might also be able to attach photos and receive replies, depending on the rules at Bedford Prison.\n\nLetters\n\nInclude the person's full name and prisoner number (if you have it) on the envelope.\n\nAll post apart from legal letters will be opened and checked by officers.","You can use the free and fast online service to send money to someone in prison (https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Fsend-prisoner-money).\n\nYou can no longer send money by bank transfer, cheque, postal order or send cash by post.\n\nIf you cannot use the online service, you may be able to apply for an exemption (https:\u002F\u002Fsend-money-to-prisoner.service.gov.uk\u002Fhelp\u002Fapply-for-exemption\u002F) - for example if you:\n\n- are unable to use a computer, a smart phone or the internet\n- do not have a debit card\n\nThis will allow you to send money by post.\n\nGifts and parcels\n\nPrisoners can automatically have a 28-day clothing parcel permitted, they will tell you what is permitted.\n\nPlease list the items you are sending in the parcel and make sure to include the person's name and prisoner number on the parcel. You also need to have a return to sender address.\n\nDo not send electrical items these will be confiscated.\n\nAll parcels will be opened and checked by officers.\n\nFriends and families of prisoners are permitted to send books directly to their loved ones, or can order books from approved retailers, which can source and send the books on to prisoners.\n\nFor the full list of approved retailers, you can read Prison education and library services, Annex A (https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Fgovernment\u002Fpublications\u002Fprison-education-and-library-services-for-adult-prisons-in-england\u002Fannex-a-sending-and-handing-in-of-books-to-prisoners).\n\nPrisoners at Bedford prison can buy permitted items from approved online retailers. You can send money in to allow them to do this.","Bedford Prison is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where prisoners can learn new skills to help them on release.\n\nSecurity and safeguarding\n\nEvery prisoner at Bedford Prison has a right to feel safe. The staff are responsible for their safeguarding and welfare at all times.\n\nFor further information about what to do when you are worried or concerned about someone in prison visit the Prisoners' Families helpline website (https:\u002F\u002Fwww.prisonersfamilies.org\u002Fpages\u002Fcategory\u002Fneed-urgent-help?Take=24).\n\nArrival and first night\n\nAll new arrivals will receive a first night phone call, subject to public protection unit restrictions. This may be late in the evening depending on their arrival time.\n\nThey will be offered a shower, hot food, clean clothing and will be interviewed individually by prison staff, healthcare and on occasion by a peer mentor.\n\nAll immediate risks, healthcare and wellbeing needs will be discussed and recorded upon arrival.\n\nInduction\n\nAll new arrivals will receive an induction on a designated unit which should last between 2 and 5 days.\n\nThey will be interviewed by wing staff individually addressing their immediate concerns by completing a basic custody screening and signposted to relevant professionals to offer further support on their journey.\n\nThey will complete a gym induction, maths and English assessment and meet our partners who will support them in:\n\n- health and wellbeing, including mental health\n- any substance misuse issues, including drugs and alcohol\n- personal development in custody and on release, including skills, education, and training\n- other support (sometimes called ‘interventions'), such as managing difficult emotions\n\nAll new arrivals will also receive information relating to their prisoner journey including prison rules, visits, education, activities, and further support to get them to the next part of their journey.\n\nAccommodation\n\nThere are about 420 prisoners are at Bedford Prison.\n\nEducation and work\n\nPrisoners have access to a range of work, training and education opportunities including:\n\n- industrial cleaning\n- painting and decorating\n- independent living skills\n- production workshops\n- physical education qualifications\n- laundry\n- kitchens\n\nThey can also get help and support on issues such as health and wellbeing, substance misuse, housing, debt and family relationships in preparation for release.","Bedford works with Invisible Walls managed by G4S (https:\u002F\u002Fwww.g4s.com\u002Fen-gb\u002Fwhat-we-do\u002Fcare-and-rehabilitation-services). It is based in the visitors centre. It provides support and information to help you access available services.\n\nFind out about advice and helplines for family and friends (https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Fsupport-for-families-friends-of-prisoners).\n\nConcerns, problems and complaints\n\nIn an emergency\n\nCall 01234 373 000 if you think a prisoner is at immediate risk of harm. Ask for the Orderly Officer and explain that your concern is an emergency.\n\n- Contact category: Phone number: Additional information\n- Non-emergency: 01234 373 069: Call this number if you have concerns about a prisoner's safety or wellbeing which are serious but not life-threatening or complete a safer custody contact form (https:\u002F\u002Fwww.prisonersfamilies.org\u002Fforms\u002Fhmp-bedford-safer-custody-contact-form) on the Prisoners' Families Helpline website.\n- Staff Integrity Hotline: 0800 917 6877 (24 hours answering machine): This number can be called anonymously. If you are concerned about a prisoner being bullied by a member of staff, you can use this number. As this line is managed separately from the prison, you can call this number anonymously.\n- Prisoners' Families Helpline: 0808 808 2003: The Prisoners' Families Helpline (https:\u002F\u002Fwww.prisonersfamilies.org\u002F) can provide confidential support, advice and guidance.\n- Unwanted Prisoner Contact: 0300 060 6699: If a prisoner is contacting you and you want them to stop, you can use the Unwanted Prisoner Contact Service (https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Fget-support-as-a-victim-of-crime). You can complete the Stop prisoner contact online form (https:\u002F\u002Funwanted-prisoner-contact.form.service.justice.gov.uk\u002F), email unwantedprisonercontact@justice.gov.uk or contact by phone.\n\nInspection reports\n\nHM Prison and Probation Service publishes action plans for Bedford Prison (https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Fgovernment\u002Fpublications\u002Fbedford-prison-action-plan) in response to independent inspections.","Governor: Sarah Bott\n\nTelephone: 01234 373 000 Fax: 01234 273 568\n\nAddress\n\nHMP Bedford St Loyes Street Bedford MK40 1HG\n\nSee map (https:\u002F\u002Fconsent.google.com\u002Fm?continue=https:\u002F\u002Fwww.google.com\u002Fmaps\u002Fplace\u002FHMP%2BBedford\u002F@52.1389694,-0.4717896,17z\u002Fdata%3D!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4877b6d00cfcbe1b:0x65ca60c3492004d6!8m2!3d52.1389661!4d-0.4696009?shorturl%3D1&gl=IE&m=0&pc=m&uxe=eomtm&cm=2&hl=en&src=1)\n\nHelp us to improve this page. Give us your feedback in this 2-minute survey (https:\u002F\u002Fwww.smartsurvey.co.uk\u002Fs\u002Fhmpbedford\u002F).","HM Prison and Probation Service","52.139343","-0.470283"]