Late 1990s Prison research…help

[Changednameagainok]

Doing research for a screenplay set in 1999 and struggling to find out definitive answers online.
Wondered if anyone had personal experience…

In the late 1990s… regarding a not too serious crime (drug dealing/handling of drugs) would someone be imprisoned near their home? E.g. at nearest Category b/c prison?

Do all released prisoners always have a probation officer involved and for how long? (In late 1990s)

What kind of paperwork would a prisoner come home with? Discharge/release letter/paperwork from the prison/ letters headed from HM Prisons etc.?

Finally if someone went to juvenile facility for a few months then turned 18 would they go straight to adult prison or were there younger adult units as today.

Believe it or not I have done a lot of research but finding answers to the above specifically for late 1990s has been tricky.

Many thanks to anyone that can help or point me in the right direction.

I was a police officer in the 1990s and did quite a few prison transports. I can only speak to your first question. Being close to home was a criteria but it was often not the possible due to other considerations, especially space. There was a big jump in the prison population in the 1990s which put many prisons under pressure.

Thank you for your reply. I did wonder about younger prisoners especially being interred near home for family visits etc.
Policing in the 1990s must have been a fascinating (and difficult) job. (I suppose ot still is.) I find it all very appealing from the outside but imagine it’s a tough life.

@Changednameagainok Near home was a luxury and often not possible. Drug dealing - not too serious? Really?

I would see if you can find HM Inspector of Prisons reports from that time. They usually pulled no punches and should be available. They also inspected Young Offenders units and transfer was probably covered In the inspection as it’s a role that is performed. They also looked at education, training and wellbeing.

I realise “not too serious” sounds trite and does not reflect my outlook but in this particular fictional case the individual was caught up in handling drugs but not a main player… stupid to be involved yes, but no criminal mastermind.

Thank you for mentioning the reports and your point about proximity being a luxury. I’m sure that was and is the case…