prisoncheck

prisoncheckSomeone has just gone in · 6 min read

Someone has just gone in. What now?

The first 72 hours are chaotic. This is the short version of what actually happens next.

  1. Silence is normal

    You will not get a useful update in the first few hours. Reception, escort and first-night processes come first. A late call is normal. Silence until the next day is also normal.

  2. Write down the details

    Write down their full name, date of birth, and the prison if you know it. You need those to send money and, later, to book a visit. The prisoner number often follows a day or two behind.

  3. Three things, in this order

    Do three things, in this order: (1) be ready to answer an unknown number, (2) send money via the official service once they appear, (3) wait to be added to the visitor and phone lists. Do not post a parcel yet.

    100%approved

    Partner

    Not like other prison numbers.

    WhatOthersringyard
    Your callPassed onRings your phone
    You needSome need an appJust your phone
    MinutesMost are cappedUnlimited
    Get your landline

    £20 a month. Stop any time.
    The prison still checks each new number.

    Others: ringyard's check of 11 prison number services, Aug to Oct 2026.

  4. The first call is not the PIN list

    The first-night call is not the same as being on the PIN list. They may call once from reception and then go quiet while numbers are approved.

  5. If you are in crisis

    If you are in crisis, the Prisoners’ Families Helpline is 0808 808 2003. prisoncheck is for orientation, not emergencies.

Alerts

Get the next 10 days by email

Three short emails for their prison: the first few days, the phone list, and the first visit, with what families there say the waits are.

By tapping you agree to three emails over the next 10 days for that prison, then a weekly email of what families reported there, an email straight away if phones go down or there is a lockdown, and the monthly update. Stop any time. How we use your email

What next

Guide · 5 minWhat happens on the first night?What reception, first-night phone calls, and induction usually look like — without the folklore.Guide · 5 minHow do I get on the phone list?PIN, numbers, security checks, and why “they should have called by now” is often the wrong clock.Guide · 6 minHow do visits actually work?Visitor lists, booking windows, ID, dress codes, video calls, and what to expect when you arrive.ToolFind their prisonPhone, visits and money are local.