What Happens When Someone Goes to Prison

When someone receives a custodial sentence, they are usually taken directly from court to a local reception prison. This guide explains what happens during those critical first days.

The Journey from Court

After sentencing, prisoners are transported to a reception prison by secure transport. This journey can take several hours depending on the distance and the number of stops. Prisoners may be handcuffed during transport and will travel in a cellular vehicle (prison van) divided into small individual compartments.

The destination prison is determined by factors including the prisoner's gender, age, sentence length, security category, and geographical factors. New prisoners are usually sent to a local reception prison that serves the court area.

Arrival and Reception

On arrival, prisoners go through an intake process that includes searches, medical assessments, and administrative procedures. Personal belongings are catalogued and stored. Prison-issue clothing may be provided, though most prisons now allow inmates to wear their own clothing.

The reception process includes:

• A full body search
• Photographing and fingerprinting
• Recording personal details and next of kin
• An initial health screening
• Assessment of immediate risks including self-harm and suicide risk
• Issuing of prison number and basic supplies

First Night

Many prisons have dedicated first night centres designed to help new arrivals adjust. Staff carry out welfare checks and provide essential information about the prison regime. First night cells may be located in a separate wing from the general prison population.

New prisoners are given a phone call to inform family members of their location. They receive basic supplies including bedding, toiletries, and information about the prison.

The first night can be one of the most difficult experiences in prison. Anxiety about the unknown, separation from family, and the reality of imprisonment combine to make this a high-risk period for mental health crises.

Initial Assessment

In the days following arrival, prisoners undergo a more detailed assessment covering health, education, employment history, substance misuse, and offending behaviour. This information is used to develop a sentence plan — a document outlining the programmes, work, and education that will form the basis of the prisoner's time in custody.

Induction

Over the first one to two weeks, prisoners go through an induction programme covering prison rules, available services, education opportunities, and how to access healthcare. They learn about the incentives and earned privileges scheme, the complaints process, and their rights and responsibilities.

During induction, prisoners are also assessed for their security category and may be allocated to a permanent wing or transferred to a more appropriate facility.

The Regime

After induction, prisoners join the main regime. This typically involves being assigned to work, education, or training activities. The specific regime varies by prison but follows a structured daily timetable that governs mealtimes, activities, association periods, and lock-up times.

Communication with Family

Prisoners are entitled to regular contact with family through letters, phone calls, and visits. Phone calls are typically made from communal phones on the wing and are limited in length and frequency. All calls (except to legal representatives) are monitored and recorded.

Writing letters is an important means of maintaining family contact. Prisoners can send and receive letters, though incoming mail is usually opened and checked by staff.