Keeping in touch with a prisoner

​​​​​​​​​​One of the most important things to ensure constructive prison time and reintegration back into society is maintaining healthy relationships with friends and family.  

You can only visit a prisoner at certain times, and you must be ready to identify yourself and be searched by prison staff. 

It helps to be familiar with the following visiting procedures before you go. ​

Booking a visit

The prisoner must fill out a visiting order before each visit which will be provided by their assigned prison officer. They must book the visit at least 48 hours in advance. 

If the prisoner hasn't made a booking, you will be turned away if you try to visit.  

When you arrive at the prison for the visit, you'll be asked for photo ID. We accept your:

• ​passport 
• driving licence 
• pass with photo ID 

You will also need to bring identification for any child who is visiting with you. We accept their: 

• ​birth certificate 
• proof of age pass 
• passport 
• bus pass 
• student card 

You can't take your mobile phone into the prison, but lockers are provided where you can leave your phone and any other items safely during your visit.

​Social visit times

​​​Social visits can only be booked by prisoners.

Fridays are allotted for children's visits:​

• ​Hocquard wing, the first Friday of each month
  
• Journeaux wing, the third Friday of each month
  
• Kendall wing, the first Friday of each month
  
• Leagueard wing, the first Friday of each month
  

Being searched and what to expect

Everyone who visits a prisoner will be searched by prison staff when they arrive. 

Searching usually involves a sweep with a metal detector. Sometimes a more detailed search will be carried out, but only with the prison governor's permission. 

If you have a child or baby with you, they may be searched too, but only with you present. 

If you go to the toilets during your prison visit, you may be given a 'rub down' search before and after. ​​​

Taking items for a prisoner

If you want to leave items for a prisoner, the prisoner must have filled out a handing-in form, which is provided by their assigned prison officer at least 48 hours before your visit. 

There are restrictions on what you can take, and all items will be searched and recorded before being given to the prisoner. 

Items are not allowed into the prison include: 

• ​alcohol 
• drugs 
• firearms 
• anything which may be used in an escape 
• items that are a security risk 
• children's toys 
• mobile phones 
• cameras or recording equipment 
• food and drink, including chewing gum 
• tobacco 
• cash 
• computer discs 
• keys 
• pornography 
• anything listed as not allowed on the notice to visitors (displayed in the visits room) 
  

Phone calls and emailing a prisoner

Phone calls

Prisoners have phones in their cells and are permitted to add up to 20 phone numbers on their phone list which is based in their cell. All phone credit is purchased from the canteen using prisoners’ personal cash account.  

The prison will provide £2 free phone credit on reception to allow new prisoners to make an initial call.  

The phone system cuts off at night at 9pm for standard prisoners and 11pm for enhanced prisoners. All calls, except legal calls, are recorded and can be listened to by the security department.

Emailing a prisoner (EMAP) and sending letters

You can send messages to someone at Le Moye using the Email a Prisoner Service.  

The message will be printed by the prison staff and will be included in the daily mail delivery. 

You may also write to your loved one at any time. Letters posted into the prison and any letters posted out will be subject to random checks by the security department Prisoners will be provided with one stamp per week to send letters out and will be able to purchase more from the canteen if needed. 

The format for addressing letters to prisoners is:

Sending money to a prisoner

You are able to send money to a prisoner either through the postal system or with the Pay It service.

Friends and family top up for prisoners form

There is a daily limit of £70 per prisoner.