How do they decide what prison people go to?

[Jason85]

I know there are different categories of prison but don't know how it works.

I'm in court for GBH and have a suspended sentence so know there is a good chance of prison. I'm 23 and in court in London and it would be my first time in prison if that make's a difference.

Any info on how it works or what I might be looking at?

[Schutzengel]

Probably Brixton.

[Buenchico]

(Multi-part post):

Although you state that you know that there are different categories of prisons, I'll start by attempting to fill in some possible gaps in your knowledge;

Cat A: High security. All convicted prisoners wear uniform. Frequent cell and body searches. All mail, both incoming and outgoing, read by prison staff. Nearly always 2 to a cell. Probably a limited choice of food at mealtimes (and no choice at all for those who're at the back of the queue). Prisoners spend most of their time in their cells.

Cat B: As Cat A but searches less frequent. Incoming mail is opened on arrival at the prison and may be read by staff but not necessarily so. Outgoing mail has to be submitted unsealed, so that it might be read by staff. Cat B prisons are often 'local' prisons (see below), where facilities for work and education are very limited and '2 to a cell' is standard.

[Buenchico]

Cat C: Far more relaxed. Prisoners can wear their own clothes. Searches are infrequent. Outgoing mail can be sealed before submitting it. Incoming mail is opened in the presence of the prisoner (so that it can be checked for contraband but so that the prisoner can see that it's not read by staff). Some prisoners can acquire certain privileges, such as a single cell and the right to rent a TV set. Prisoners can also possess some items which are prohibited in Cat A & Cat B prisons. (e.g. prisoners can buy jars of coffee. They're prohibited in Cat A & B because the glass could be used as a weapon). Some prisoners might be permitted to leave the site to, for example, attend college or gain work experience. Prisoners are able to order their meals from a weekly menu, ensuring that they always get their choice of food. Prisoners spend most of their time out of their cells.

Cat D: 'Open prisons'. Even more relaxed, with greater opportunities for single accommodation, privileges and working or studying away from the prison.

Having got that lot out of the way (and with the caveat that no two prisons, even within the same category, are exactly alike), I'll try to answer your actual question:

[Buenchico]

Most convicted prisoners are normally sent to a 'local' prison. These are Cat B 'holding' prisons. The theory is that prisoners will be assessed and then moved to a more permanent location. Consequently, 'local' prisons usually have very little in the way of facilities for employment or education. This limits the amount of pay which prisoners can earn and means that they don't get out of their cells very often.

In practice, the shortage of prison spaces means that many prisoners never get moved on from their 'local' prison. It's not unusual for people to be there for a year or two (either before being released or being moved on, depending upon their sentence).

Unless the prison service regard you as particularly likely to attempt to escape (or you're regarded as particularly violent), you won't be sent to a Cat A prison. (The only exception is that the court might send you to a Cat A prison, for a short period, if there's no space for you in your local prison on the date when you're sentenced).

You could always apply for a transfer to another prison. (There's even a 'good prison guide', where prisoners provide reviews of each prison. Each prison library should have a copy). You might stand a chance of getting moved to a Cat C establishment but Cat D places are normally reserved for either non-violent offenders (e.g. Jeffrey Archer) or for the rehabilitation of prisoners coming to the end of very long sentences. (e.g. 'lifers').

Chris

[sara3]

you'll be sent to the local prison (if they have space) until you are assessed, and there is room to move you to a more suitable prison. if your sentence is relatively short you may just stay in the first prison.

[Buenchico]

For Wizard66:

I did include the caveat that different prisons within the same category may have different rules.

I did some relief teaching work at HMP Wellingborough (which is Cat C). All of the prisoners wore their own clothes (except those who chose not to do so or who couldn't get their own clothes sent in). It was originally built as a YOI and possibly offered better accommodation than those prisons which have always been used for adult offenders. WCs, for example, were located in a side room off each cell, rather than within the cell itself. (I've known people who've been in HMPs Norwich, Chelmsford & Brixton where the loo has always been situated within the cell).

At HMP Wellingborough I believe that it was about 20% of prisoners who had single cells, usually with TVs. (TVs were only offered to those prisoners who'd gained enough privileges to get a single cell. They weren't available to prisoners in shared accommodation).

Chris

[Jason85]

Thanks for the info. Have a while before anything happens and was just wondering.

[SIROAM-ETAHI]

Just a wee thought Jason. I was just wondering how the person you beat the crap out of spent their Christmas and what their primary concerns for the near future were, apart from running into YOU that is.

[MWB]

You'll be looking a 4 walls, bars - lots of em, plastic cutlery, prison guard uniforms, naked men, & barbed wire.

But don't worry or be scared. You'll be in a place where everyone is innocent!

[LittleRascal]

No need for that MWB is there? He's only asking a question. Jeeeez.

[troubleahead]

HI Jason85 If you go to prison then it all depends on the area you are in all prisons have different catchment areas, so you will be taken to the prison that has the court you are in in the catchment area. Once you are at the prison they may well tranfer you to a different one, the prison decides which one. To find out which one go to the prison service website.

As for what you might be looking at, it depends on the severity of the offence i.e. sec: 20 or Sec: 18 and the circumstances you were in at the time i.e. were you provoked or did you make the first move etc Sec: 18 carries anything from 2 yrs to life sentence. Life doesn't mean life in prison though so don't be too worried.

I hope this helped even if only a little

[francesca01]

sounds very simplistic I know and undoubtably contravenes every act of the Human Rights, but why don't "they" just take the DNA from everyone in the UK. Surely then, offenders would think more than twice before committing a criminal act, and if you have nothing to hide what's to worry about?

[AndrewJevs]

Like people have said it depends on where the space is. My nearest was Leeds but I did most of my first sentence in Nottingham.