Visiting a Prison

The Prison Service recognises that it is important for both prisoners and their families that close links are maintained between them. This is emphasised in Prison Rules which state that 'special attention shall be paid to the maintenance of relationships between a prisoner and his family.'

Visits are just one way in which the Service helps prisoners maintain links with their families. As well as visits from family and friends there are a number of different types of visits available to prisoners including legal, appeal and ecclesiastical visits.

Prison Visits Scheme - Contribution towards Travel Costs

In an endeavour to promote family ties the Northern Ireland Prison Service will, in certain circumstances, make a contribution towards the cost of travel expenses for those travelling to a prison to visit a close relative or partner. The Scheme is for those on low income. Payments are made from the Social Security/Jobs & Benefits Officer/Employment & Support Allowance Centre and Pension Service Offices.

Applications for help towards the cost of travel to prison establishments (including Young Offenders Centres) in Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales will be considered. Applicants must be resident in Northern Ireland and qualifying rules must be met. Click on the following link for full details :

PRISON VISITS SCHEME

 Please note the annual gross household income for 2010-11 must not exceed £17,474.


All establishments (Magilligan, Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood) operate a pre-booked visits system enabling the visitor to book a visit on a day and at a time that suits them best. Details on how to book a visit are provided by clicking on the appropriate establishment in the sub menu. At the Young Offenders Centre visitors are issued with a visitors pass in advance of their visit.

The length of visits varies depending on the establishment and regime level of the person you are visiting. Weekends are the busiest period for visits.

All visitors are required to go through a full rub down search on arrival and be searched by a passive drug dog. Passive drug dogs operate at all establishments. You will be asked to allow the dog, under the control of its handler, to carry out a search for prohibited substances. This may involve some contact with the dog. When a dog makes a positive indication, in the interests of health and safety, that person will be offered either a closed visit, the opportunity to reschedule their visit or they can choose not to take the visit.

Personal belongings must be left in the specially provided area in each prison.

Parcels will be collected and thoroughly searched before being issued to prisoners.

The senior officer on duty has the authority to terminate a visit if the prisoner or visitor fails to comply with prison rules regarding visits.
 

VISITORS WHO WANT TO MAKE A COMPLAINT
 
A visitor to one of our prisons may make a complaint about:

        • his or her treatment by any person employed in the Northern Ireland Prison Service;
        • the facilities available to him or her at the prison; and 
        • the cleanliness and adequacy of prison premises.

A booklet in which to make the complaint is available in the Visitors' Centre or Visits Reception Complex or from Family Support Officers. A short leaflet explaining the procedure is also available at these locations and members of staff from the prison, Quakers or NIACRO are available to provide any help required.