What visitors can bring prisoners
To safeguard prison security and for the safety of prisoners and visitors, there are very few things which visitors are allowed to bring into prisons, and it is always advisable for visitors to check with the prison, before making a visit, what they are permitted to take in or to give to the prisoner. All visitors are searched upon entry.
It is a criminal offence for certain items to be brought into any prison, such as controlled drugs (unless this is medication prescribed by a doctor), explosives, offensive weapons, alcohol, mobile phones, cameras and, unless the visitor is the prisoner's legal adviser, sound recording devices.
Visitors may sometimes be allowed to bring in other items such as money, clothing, tobacco, food, drink, papers and letters, but prisons vary on whether they permit these to be brought in. Some prisons do not allow visitors to bring in these additional items, especially in the high security estate.
What can I take into the visits room?
It is a criminal offence for any item to be brought in to a prison with the intention of giving it to a prisoner, without prior permission. This applies to both convicted and unconvicted prisoners. But unconvicted prisoners may be allowed to have more things brought in on visits than convicted prisoners.
Visitors are normally required to leave their bag or wallet and other items they have with them (including mobile phones and children's toys) in a locker provided by the prison. Mobiles phones are never allowed into visits rooms. However, visitors are usually allowed to take money for refreshments to the visit, and medication needed during the visit as long as the visitor notifies the prison before the visit takes place.
