What to Expect When You First Arrive
If you’re sentenced to custody or remanded into prison, your first stop will usually be a local prison — the one nearest to the court. It’s normal to feel anxious, scared, and confused at this stage, especially if you’ve never been inside before.
The first 24 hours are structured to process you, check your welfare, and explain the rules. Knowing what happens can take away some of the fear.
Reception and Processing
When you first arrive, you’ll go through reception. Here’s what usually happens:
- Identity checks — You’ll give your name, date of birth, and details for verification.
- Property recording — Staff will list, bag, and store your belongings. You’ll usually be allowed some approved items in your cell, and the rest will be stored securely until release.
- Photographs & fingerprints — Standard procedure for everyone.
- Health screening — A nurse or healthcare worker will check your physical and mental health. Tell them about any medication, ongoing treatment, or if you’re struggling emotionally — it matters.
- Risk assessment — Staff ask questions about self-harm risks, vulnerabilities, and potential safety issues with other prisoners.
This information helps the prison decide where to house you and what support you may need.
Understanding Your Rights
On arrival, you should be told about your rights under the Prison Rules:
- You can ask to contact a family member to let them know where you are.
- You can ask to speak to a solicitor.
- You have the right to healthcare and basic dignity.
- If you feel unsafe, you can raise concerns with staff — you may be placed on a safer custody plan if needed.
Prisons often provide an “induction pack” explaining rules, routines, visiting times, and complaint procedures. If English isn’t your first language, translation services should be offered.
First Night Procedures
Most prisons have a First Night Centre or dedicated induction wing:
- You’ll be shown your cell and given bedding, toiletries, and basic clothing if needed.
- Staff should explain how things work — using the phone, ordering meals, exercise times, and making requests (“apps”).
- You may get the chance to make a phone call, though some prisons restrict this to one short call on day one.
- If you’re at risk of harm — from others or yourself — you might be placed under closer supervision.
Many people find the first night inside the hardest. If you feel panicked, tell staff — they’ve seen it before and there are safeguards to keep you safe.
Induction Programme
In your first few days, you’ll go through an induction designed to explain prison life:
- Daily routine: unlock times, meal times, work, education, and association periods.
- Prison rules: what’s allowed, what isn’t, and what happens if you break rules.
- Support services: healthcare, mental health teams, education, and resettlement advice.
- Contacting family: how visits work, adding numbers to your phone PIN, and using Email-a-Prisoner.
Induction usually lasts a few days, but timescales vary depending on how busy the prison is.
Support and Vulnerability
If you’re struggling emotionally or worried about your safety:
- Tell a member of staff, an officer on your wing, or the safer custody team.
- You may be referred to Listener Schemes — trained prisoners who offer peer support, managed by the Samaritans.
- You can also speak to healthcare, chaplaincy, or independent advocates if you need extra help.
Contacting the Outside World
Within the first few days, you should be able to:
- Make phone calls to approved numbers once your PIN account is set up.
- Receive letters — your family can find your prison’s address online.
- Apply for visits, though these may take a little time to arrange.
If you’re remanded rather than sentenced, you may have extra rights around visits and contact with legal representatives.
Things to Expect in the First Week
- Limited movement: You may spend a lot of time locked up at first, especially in busy prisons.
- Structured days: Set times for meals, exercise, and association.
- Meeting key staff: You’ll meet your wing officer and possibly a personal officer assigned to you.
- Settling in: It takes time, but routines start to make things feel manageable.
Tips for Your First Days
- Ask questions — it’s normal not to know how things work.
- Be polite and respectful with staff; it makes day-to-day life smoother.
- Use your induction to learn the rules and routines — they matter.
- If you feel low, anxious, or unsafe, speak up early.
- Keep your family informed as much as possible; it reassures everyone.