Sometimes a prisoner moves to a different prison partway through their sentence – it can be unsettling, especially if you weren’t expecting it, so here’s how the process works.
Requesting a transfer. A prisoner asks their Personal Officer for an application form. Once it’s filled in, the prison’s population manager contacts the prison they want to move to, and the request is considered from there.
What’s taken into account. Each application is looked at individually, weighing things like the reason for the request, whether the prisoner has lived in the area before, their conduct and background reports, family connections and how likely visits are, any security or risk concerns, and compassionate circumstances such as a family illness.
How family can help. While the prisoner makes the application, family members can support it – for example, by writing to the prison Governor to say you intend to visit if the transfer’s approved. A supporting letter from a healthcare provider, social worker or other professional can also help strengthen a compassionate transfer request.
How long it takes. This isn’t usually quick – it can take six months or longer. To be considered, a prisoner generally needs at least six months left on their sentence, and no outstanding appeals or charges.
Some transfers aren’t requested at all – they happen for operational or security reasons, as a sentence progresses through different types of prison, or as part of a move towards open conditions. If a transfer happens unexpectedly, the prison should be able to tell you where someone’s gone if you get in touch, or you can ask Families Outside’s helpline for support.