Prison...

[MadMen]

Bit of a random question, & I'm not sure where to post... But here goes.
I'm visiting someone in prison this week and I'm really nervous about the whole thing.
I've not been inside a prison before, but have watched Prisoners Wives. Is that what it's like? One big room? Are you sat on a table with the person you're visiting or is there something between you (like glass)?
Also, can I take a bag? Is there anything I can/can't take. I'm nervous about things like searching. Is it a bit like an airport, like no metal or clear liquids???

I'm on my phone and in a really bad signal area so my replies may be slow. TIA for any help or advice though :)

[grasscarp]

I have visited someone in prison. They do check your bags, and would presumably be looking for drugs or weapons I imagine. We were sat in a big room and you are at a table with your inmate. There is no reason to be nervous.

[phleb]

You show your ID (make sure you take it or you wont be allowed in). They search you, search your bags. you have to take shoes and socks off to be checked, they give them back to you to wear! the do a quick body rub down. u put your belongings in the locker provided. they stamp your hand (some do)then make you way to the inmate. Only thing you can take inside is some change for drinks. Hope this helps, from the one that has to do more prison visits than hot dinners.

[phleb]

you do sit around a table, when i used to go, i saw some goings on, fights used to break out. But don't worry, gaurds are always there to step in. There was this one time, a fella was in for life, his gf was sleeping around, she went to visit, and he beat her up, gaurds were a tad bit too late to step in....oopsie. Im not trying to scare you, its all prefectly normal and quite environment most of the time. They have a little shop to buy tea/coffee/choc/crisps

[rockyracoon]

I visited someone about 15 years ago, (Pentonville) it was grimmer than Prisoners Wives, we wasn't allowed to take anythng in with us except a bit of cash to buy tea and biscuits etc and we were patted down. It's not pleasant but it's not anything to be nervous about, it just has to be done, don't let it spoil the relatively little time you get to spend with your friend/family.

[sandyRoe]

It might take a long time from when you arrive to when you actually meet who you're visiting.

[MadMen]

Thankyou both. Iit's the searching that makes me nervous. I don't like anyone touching me, it makes me feel panicky. I thought about maybe mentioning this to whoever is in reception there (if there is such a thing) but I'm worried this may make me look suspicious, which I'm not. I didn't get much sleep last night because it's playing on my mind so much. I just know when they start tapping me down I will get all anxious and start to panic.
Didn't know about having to take shoes off either, so thanks for that too.

[rockyracoon]

Aw Madmen, really try not to worry, you'll ruin the visit. How do you cope at the airport?

[MadMen]

I think I'll just leave my bag in the car then and take some change in my pocket. Didn't really want to hear that it may be slow, as that's just more time for my anxiety to build up.
Thanks for the suggestions and comforting words :)

[rockyracoon]

Just thought, on Prisoners Wives, did the pat down? I thought the used a scanner type thing, you never know, maybe the use something like that these days. I wonder if the procedure is the same for all prison levels, ie open, high security etc.

[rockyracoon]

We left everything in the car except a bit of cash and our ID, don't forget that or you won't get in.

[MadMen]

Not very well. My anxiety levels go through the roof.

[MadMen]

Oh god yeah. Just wrote that on my hand!

[Pumbah]

One thing to remeber, MadMen, is that, for you, the "ordeal" will be over at the end of the visit. For the person you are visiting, it will continue.

[rockyracoon]

Just reread my post, I seem to have missed out all the y's on they. Must be going mad!

[mrs_overall]

You are frisked when you go visit? Can I come too?

Seriously, try to stay calm and don't let it worry you. A quick pat down of your pockets will take seconds

[MadMen]

When I last went to an airport they properly put their hands everywhere. Even though it was a female, I felt really uneasy.

[rapatika]

You should give Pumbah best answer. Your worries are nothing compared to the person you are going to visit.

[Pumbah]

Thanks, rapatika. My wife, also a very nervous sort, and very ticklish, often visited a friend in Dartmoor! (Not me!) She was able to cope by remembering just that point.

[flump1]

I don't want to alarm you Madmen, it depends which prison you are visiting. High security ones will check your hair and ask you to open your mouth. Drug runners will use anywhere on their person to hide drugs. Open prisons are less security concious and you might not have to do much at all.
Don't take things as gifts for your friend, there is a list as long as your arm as to what you are and not allowed to take.
Keep calm, and you will be just fine, your friend will appreciate your visit.

[MadMen]

Funnily enough, it's Dartmoor I'm going to.