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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. More.
In line with the Government’s commitment to target social need, the Prison Service finances the[PDF] Assisted Visits Scheme, administered by the Social Security Agency through its network of local offices and Pension Service. The scheme allows close relatives or the partners of prisoners in custody throughout the United Kingdom, who are in receipt of benefit or who get help through the NHS Low Income Scheme, who could not otherwise afford the cost of visiting regularly, to have the costs of up to 26 visits in any 12 month period subsidised.
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. If the dog makes a positive indication you, and the other visitors in your group, will be offered a closed visit or asked to leave the prison. 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.
A short leaflet compiled by the Prison Service in conjunction with NIACRO and The Ulster Quaker Service Committee - Prison Visitors Complaints Procedure - A Guide - sets out how prison visitors can make a complaint about any aspect of their visit.
