Somewhere during the reception process, you’ll usually be given the chance to make one phone call. This is typically limited to around two minutes before it’s cut off, and there’s no way for anyone to call you back on that line.
The information on this page is based on the law in England & Wales. If you’re in Scotland or Northern Ireland, click here for the guide for your jurisdiction.
Be warned – this call is a hard one to make, and just as hard for the person on the other end. It’s worth thinking about what you actually want to say before you dial, since this will likely be the first contact you’ve had with family or friends since the judge passed sentence.
If the call goes to an answering machine, it still counts as your call – you don’t get a second go.
| Insiders at Court | Transport to the prison |
| Arrival at the prison | Moving to the wing/cell |
| First Night | Personal Officer |
| Phone credit and money | Induction Processes |
| Working in the prison | |