Early days in custody
Prisoners transferring to and from prison are safe and treated decently. On arrival prisoners are safe and treated with respect. Risks are identified and addressed at reception. Prisoners are supported on their first night. Induction is comprehensive.
1. Prisoners travel in safe, decent conditions, are treated with respect and attention is paid to their individual needs.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it:
- Prisoners are given sufficient notice of transfer and information about the prison to which they are being transferred, subject to well evidenced security considerations.
- Escort vehicles are clean and meet the diverse needs of prisoners.
- Prisoners are not kept waiting on vehicles after arrival.
- Escorting staff are aware of the individual needs of the prisoners in their care and provide an effective briefing to receiving staff, including the person escort record.
- Prisoners are given adequate comfort breaks and refreshments during transfer.
- Prisoners arrive in sufficient time to allow reception and first night procedures to be conducted effectively.
2. Prisoners are safe and treated with respect on their reception and first night in prison. Risks are identified and prisoners are supported according to their individual needs.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it:
- The needs of newly arrived prisoners are promptly assessed to ensure their safety, with particular attention to the risk of suicide and self-harm.
- Reception is a welcoming and supportive environment.
- Prisoners are not strip- or squat-searched unless there is sufficient specific intelligence and proper authorisation.
- Interviews are private, take account of all available information and identify vulnerability and risk. Reception staff provide an effective briefing to wing staff.
- Prisoners are reunited with their property on arrival and are moved quickly to designated first night accommodation.
- Prisoners know how to access help and support from staff, family and peer supporters.
- Prisoners can shower on their first night in a new prison.
- A free telephone call is offered and additional support is provided to those who have no external support.
- Prisoners receive basic equipment and supplies.
- Peer supporters are used effectively in reception and during first night arrangements.
- Regular welfare checks are carried out on new arrivals.
3. Prisoners are promptly inducted and supported to understand life in prison.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it:
- Prisoners receive comprehensive information about the rules and regime in a format and language they understand.
- Induction includes a private conversation with an officer to identify and address any concerns.
- Prisoners’ immediate rehabilitation needs (including families, accommodation, employment and debt) are identified on arrival and met.
- Prisoners are meaningfully occupied during induction and are allocated regime activity swiftly.
- Prisoners understand that their personal mail and telephone calls may be monitored.
- Prisoners subject to recall or eligible for bail are identified promptly and supported to exercise their legal rights.
- Prisoners who face an indeterminate sentence are identified on remand and given support. The elements and implications of an indeterminate sentence are explained to them and, where appropriate, their families.
- Prisoners are supported to arrange their first visit.