Keeping in contact with a person in prison

Sending Letters

The information below draws together the experience of AFFECT members and the information contained within HMPrison booklets to create a straightforward guide to prison letters.

There is usually no restriction on the number of letters a prisoner can receive.

Prison staff do not usually read letters, but they will be opened to check for contraband.

People on remand can usually send two free letters each week.

Convicted people can usually send one free letter each week.

If paid for out of private cash, a prisoner may send as many letters as they wish.

A prisoner can obtain paper and envelopes, but these may have the prison's name printed on them. Sending in paper, envelopes and stamps can be of great use to a prisoner.

Although not common, the governor can order routine reading. All letters to and from the prisoner will then be read, and limits may be set on the number and length of letters.

Letters to and from a prisoner must not:

	Discuss escape plans
	Reduce prison security
	Affect national security
	Help commit a criminal offence
	Help to break prison rules
	Contain threats
	Contain blackmail
	Be racially offensive
	Be obscene

If the rules are broken, routine reading can be ordered or the receipt and sending of letters stopped altogether.

AFFECT hope that this information aids you in planning a visit with your loved one. If we can help further, please contact us.