Advice about prison safety

[Melly2007]

Not sure where to post this.

A relative was sent to prison a month ago, firstly going to a Cat B prison until he was allocated. He was allocated a Category D two weeks ago but they haven't moved him.

He was advised by the officials that I should ask a solicitor to write a letter saying he was supposed to be moved 7 days ago. I can't speak to solicitor until Monday so more waiting.

We are genuinely concerned for his safety as he is a first time offender, in for a non violent, non drug crime. Drugs are apparently a particular issue at this prison.

Any advice on the right course of action and whether there is anything else we can do?

Try calling the Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT) they have a helpline and they're incredibly skilled when it comes to advice. Moves can take a long time and even with a legal letter they might take a while because regime issues, logistics, spaces etc. are often beyond their control. If it really is worrying you then you could always call the prison switchboard and ask to speak to the Senior Officer of whichever houseblock he's on or the Custodial manager (if you can try to push your luck but not likely) about your concerns. If you're really concerned about his risk then ask if you can speak to someone in safer custody.

Thank you. It's all new to me so your advice is really helpful.

He was also told to see if we can get a solicitor to write a letter but will see what PACT say.

It couldn't hurt getting a letter. They're really helpful (I used to work for them) and they have staff in a lot of prisons. You could also try talking to the IMB as they're impartial and in every prison. Make your relative aware that if they're struggling at any point they can use their cell bell to request a prison listener or to use the Samaritans phone.

You need this thread that I read the other day. It's a very moving thread with posters in similar situations to you who are very supportive to each other. I can't link due to technical incompetence, but it's in Crime (which comes under 'Other topics', just like Legal) and it's called 'What to take to prison 2'.

for you and I hope you manage to get support for your relative.

Thank you so much for the advice both of you. I feel a little less alone.

Hello

The advice from PACT and a solicitor who advised against sending a letter seems to be make a nuisance of yourself through calls and they might do something. I tried switchboard but they won't put me through to the senior officer or anyone else. I have been trying safe custody all day but no answer.

I don't know why they make it so difficult for prisoner's families. We've done nothing wrong.

I don't have any advice Kelly but wanted to wish you and your family well. The prison service is in an awful state and can't afford to support prisoners towards rehabilitation or families through what must be a terrible time. Do you have a supportive MP?

Thank you so much. Spoke to another organisation and they said don't make a fuss and don't let him stand out for any reason, he needs to blend in. So confused and no idea what to do now.

Yeah I was trying not to be alarmist. If you have concerns for their immediate safety then let the prison know but if it's a general concern, being on an ACCT document or under extra observations can identify them as someone who is struggling and attract the wrong attention. I also don't mean to be the bearer of bad news but in my experience a cat D isn't much better. It's nicer for them because they have more to occupy them but observation is less and so is security, there's probably more drug use in a cat D as there's more opportunity to bring it back in. How long has your relative been in? It does get easier I promise you. I've seen some of the most nervous, agitated terrified people coming in and then within a couple of months once they're settled they're like different people.

Sorry just noticed you said a month. Is your relative enrolled in education or work yet? Do they have friends on the wing/houseblock?

Thank you. He says it has been difficult to sign up to anything so far. Not sure if it is because he has only been in for a short while. Plus he heard stories from others saying he'd be moved to cat D quickly so I don't think he was bothered at first. I think he is trying to keep his head down. He's in for white collar crime, first offence and university educated so it marks him out more too.

Yeah it takes a while. He could always ask his spur officer if there are any wing jobs going to keep himself busy. If he's ever had problematic substance misuse or alcohol consumption he could see if there's any groups on that he can attend etc. The first few months are always hard but once he starts attending things and getting out of his cell he'll make some friends. I hate to say we have a bias but we often notice the brighter less rowdy ones once they start engaging and officers prefer giving them the tasks with a bit more responsibility like tea boy, laundry or wing cleaner. I know it must be hard being on the outside and imagining what it must be like in there but as long as he finds a routine and avoids getting into drug debt or being marked as someone with a lot of canteen money he'll be absolutely fine (I know it may seem like you're doing him a favour sending as much money as you can but just be wary the others don't notice). Day to day it's pretty hum drum honestly, once he's settled the thing that will get to him the most is food and boredom.

Thank you so much. I will encourage him as much as possible, thanks also for the tips. I found an email a prisoner service and have sent a message. No idea if he'll get it. He was advised previously not to mix with others but as you say, if he can do the different duties then he might meet the people most like him who are also doing those things.

Hi - ex HMPPS employee and now prison law consultant here!

Reallocation unfortunately doesn't mean a person will be transferred immediately. You can be a Cat D in a higher cat prison for as long as necessary for them to find a place for him and transfer him out. It would be a matter of sitting tight and waiting, I wouldn't recommend intervening at all after such a short time.

In terms of 'keeping himself to himself' this isn't something I recommend. Prison is a small place and very gossipy if you'll believe it, anything out of the ordinary will follow him. The PP was very correct in him just being in a routine and making friends being the best way forward.

This may not be the most consoling thing to hear but Cat D prisons have more drug issues than Cat B.

Also email a prisoner is a godsend but do not include anything too personal or incriminating, the emails are printed off and delivered by staffmembers who can have a read if they fancy.

Also another tip - if you have any concerns and ring the prison, ask to speak to the chaplaincy rather than safer custody. They'll usually put you straight through.

Thank for all the advice. His solicitor has said he has spoken to the prison and could get him into an isolation unit potentially but not sure what to do? Mentally that probably isn't the best option but physically it may be better for him if he's feeling threatened? Any thoughts on this?

The solicitor is also trying to get him moved to a better Cat D even if it is miles away.

No idea whether we will succeed in any of this.

Just using email a prisoner for kind words really. Seeing him tomorrow for first time.

All I can say is this has been eye opening. I feel terrible for people who don't have the resources we do and I know we are very lucky.

If he's at risk of harm e.g someone has directly threatened him by all means go that route. But my advice would be to avoid it by all means possible. Even if he was threatened a move to another houseblock is preferable. If he hasn't been threatened and he's sent to segregation for his own protection, then circumstances arise where they need the cell and he's out in general population again then it might be assumed he went to seg because he's a sex offender or a grass. No offence to solicitors but in my experience they have no idea how Prison life actually works. A cat D is a cat D is a cat D, depending on how much time he's got left, nearer home would be better because they get out a lot to work and for leave.

Thank you for all your help. We went to visit him last week. His cellmate had been dojng drugs all night and keeping him awake/acting erratically and being volatile. He's not used to people who do hard drugs. Luckily the cellmate has been moved and the new one is better and he mixes with him and one other when they are let out. My relative seems OK now.

We were surprised at how well the visiting areas are kept, I suppose to make it a nicer environment for visiting children (though the babies and toddlers were tough to see).

Really appreciate the kind and non-judgmental advice here.

I'm glad your relative is doing well. I know it must be scary for people with no experience of prison. I promise you though, as long as he keeps his head down and doesn't get involved in anything he shouldn't be that he will be absolutely fine. Best wishes to you all.