book a visit online prison

Visitation Scheduling

It’s now easier and more convenient than ever to schedule a visit with your loved one at a facility.

With our Visitation Scheduling service, you can choose the date and time for a visit, and get registered as an approved visitor—all in advance through our website.

Visitation Scheduling services are FREE and can be used to schedule:

• traditional visits in face-to-face booths at the facility
• video visits from home on your mobile phone or computer
• video visits from stations at the facility

Please note: These services can vary by facility and are not available at all locations.

How It Works

• Check to see if your inmate’s facility offers visitation scheduling.
• If scheduling is offered at the facility, go to www.gtlvisitme.com . Register yourself and all visitors participating in the visitations.
• Select the facility where your loved one is located.
• Search for your inmate, and add them.
• Click “Schedule” to begin the scheduling process.

What it Costs

Visitation scheduling services are free!

Please note that there may be fees for conducting select visit types such as video visitations . Any visitation fees will be outlined during the scheduling process and if required, your payment information will be requested to complete the scheduling process.

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• Criminal Profiles
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• Prison Guide

• September 25, 2023 September 25, 2023

How to Book a Prison Visit Online

Scheduling an in-person visit with an incarcerated loved one is important for maintaining connections. Many corrections departments now allow online prison visit reservations to improve convenience and efficiency. This article outlines the typical process for booking online prison visits.

Check Visitation Eligibility Requirements

Before scheduling visits, confirm eligibility with the facility’s policies:

• Age minimums – Adult visitors usually required.
• Visitor approval – Visitors must be on inmate’s approved list.
• ID/documentation – Valid photo ID often required.
• Allowed items – Review dress code and authorized items.
• Health requirements – Some facilities require COVID vaccination proof.

Ensure you meet all criteria to avoid wasted trips or denied entry.

Create a Visitor Account on the Facility’s Website

Most prisons with online scheduling require creating a visitor account:

• Enter your personal details like name, address, email, phone number.
• Create a username and password for the visitor account.
• Provide your ID number and type (driver’s license, passport, etc).
• Electronically sign any waivers or terms required.

This information links you to the inmate and confirms identity upon arrival.

Schedule Visit Date and Time

With an approved visitor account, you can view visitation calendars and schedule dates/times:

• Select day(s) – Weekends and holidays are busiest.
• Choose time slot(s) – Typical windows are 1-2 hours long.
• Check-in 15-30 minutes prior – To clear security screening.
• Bring printed or digital confirmation – Shows your scheduled slot.

Visits are usually first-come, first-served for available times. Book well in advance for best selection.

Understand Cancellation and No Show Policies

Review policies if you must cancel or miss scheduled visits:

• Timeframe – Cancel at least 24-48 hours in advance when possible.
• Allowed frequency – Too many cancellations or no shows may restrict future visits.
• Notifications – Call the visitation hotline as soon as possible.
• Exceptions – Illness or family emergencies may qualify for waivers.

Follow proper procedures to avoid penalties like temporary visit suspensions.

Arrive Prepared on Visitation Day

Give yourself extra time and arrive prepared:

• Dress appropriately – Follow dress code to get cleared for entry.
• Limited belongings – Carry only approved items needed for children.
• Check in at gate – Provide printed or digital confirmation and ID.
• Clear security – Successfully pass through metal detectors and searches.
• Confirm visitation rules – Keep physical contact limited if prohibited.
• Enjoy visit! – Make the most of this valued time together.

Proper planning ensures visitation goes smoothly.

Online scheduling systems are making arranging prison visits easier and more efficient. Visitors can quickly check availability and reserve slots after creating an approved account. Following facility policies ensures a smooth visitation process. While in-person time is limited, it remains invaluable for maintaining inmate connections and support systems.

FAQs About Booking Online Prison Visits

How far in advance can visits be booked.

Most facilities allow booking 1-4 weeks in advance. Holidays and weekends fill up quickly.

Can visitors schedule multiple back-to-back time slots?

Usually not – facilities limit visits to 1-2 hour sessions with buffer times in between.

Is there an age limit or requirement for minor visitor approval?

Yes, approval rules vary but most prisons prohibit visitors under 18 years old.

Can online visit reservations be made on a mobile device?

Some systems only allow scheduling on the desktop website. But mobile-friendly platforms are becoming more common.

What if a visitor’s plans change after booking?

Notify the prison as soon as possible if you cannot make the booked time. Schedule changes are limited.

How do waiting lists work if times are fully booked?

Waiting lists prioritize visitors by order and frequency since last visit. Openings from cancellations are first-come, first-served.

What happens if a visitor is late for check-in?

You may forfeit that day’s visit. Arrive well before the scheduled window to ensure entry.

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• Why Did Jelly Roll Go to Prison?

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Federal Bureau of Prisons

General visiting information.

Make sure your visit will be a success by carefully following these four steps.

Discover or confirm the whereabouts of the inmate you would like to visit.

Before you can visit you must be placed on the inmate's approved visiting list.

Review all visiting rules, regulations, and procedures before your visit.

Find out when you can visit and get directions to the facility.

Locate the inmate

Sometimes an inmate may be moved to a different facility so that they can benefit from unique programs offered at that location. They might also be moved to receive treatment for a medical condition or for security concerns. Therefore, the first step in planning your visit should be to determine where the inmate is currently housed.

Please verify you are a human by entering the words you see in the textbox below.

To visit, you must be pre-approved.

You can only visit an inmate if they have placed you on their visiting list and you have been cleared by the BOP.

• An inmate is given a Visitor Information Form when he/she arrives at a new facility.
• Inmate completes their portion of the form and mails a copy to each potential visitor.
• Potential visitor completes all remaining form fields.
• Potential visitor sends the completed form back to the inmate's address (listed on the form).
• We may request more background information and possibly contact other law enforcement agencies or the NCIC
• The inmate is told when a person is not approved to visit and it is the inmate's responsibility to notify that person.

Who can an inmate add to their visiting list?

• Step-parent(s)
• Foster parent(s)
• Grandparents
• No more than 10 friends/associates
• Foreign officials
• Members of religious groups including clergy
• Members of civic groups
• Employers (former or prospective)
• Parole advisors

In certain circumstances such as when an inmate first enters prison or is transferred to a new prison, a visiting list might not exist yet. In this case, immediate family members who can be verified by the information contained in the inmate's Pre-Sentence Report, may be allowed to visit. However, if there is little or no information available about a person, visiting may be denied. You should always call the prison ahead of time to ensure your visit will be permitted.

Be Prepared

You should be familiar with all visiting rules, regulations, and procedures before your visit.

The following clothing items are generally not permitted but please consult the visiting policy for the specific facility as to what attire and items are permitted in the visiting room:

• revealing shorts
• halter tops
• bathing suits
• see-through garments of any type
• low-cut blouses or dresses
• backless tops
• hats or caps
• sleeveless garments
• skirts two inches or more above the knee
• dresses or skirts with a high-cut split in the back, front, or side
• clothing that looks like inmate clothing (khaki or green military-type clothing)

Plan your trip

• the prison location
• the prison type
• inmate visiting needs
• availability of visiting space

The inmate you plan to visit should tell you what the visiting schedule is for that prison; however, if you have any questions please contact that particular facility .

General Visiting Hours

Camp general visiting hours, fsl general visiting hours.

Board Member Portal

A Volunteer Visitation Program to Federal and Military Prisoners Throughout the United States

Prisoner Visitation and Support (PVS) is a volunteer visitation program for people incarcerated in federal and military prisons throughout the United States.

Our mission is to provide prisoners with regular, face to face contact from the world outside of prison to help them cope with prison life, encourage personal growth, and prepare for successful reentry into society.

Our vision is to provide qualified visitors to fulfill all requests for visits by prisoners in every federal and military prison.

Our priority is to visit those prisoners who:  

• do not ordinarily receive visits from family and friends,

• want or need visits,

• are in solitary confinement,

• are on death row,

• or are serving long sentences.

“I just wanted to tell you how very thankful I am to you for what you have done for me. Mrs. Colleen is such a good-hearted person…Each visit seems to last only seconds because she is so easy to talk with. She always talks to me & treats me as if I am just a regular person & not like a low-life. Thank you so very much for bringing her into my life. She gives me something to look forward to.”

Prisoner, USMCFP Springfield, MO

“I also would like to thank you for your inspiration. You are a great person and have become a great, positive role model over the past few months. I have gained so much knowledge and wisdom that has allowed my brain to free itself from the suffering of mental servitude. Yes, you are my elder, but I have not looked upon a friendship with this much appreciation since I was very young. So I thank you very much.” 

Prisoner, USP Florence, CO

“I’ve been incarcerated a little over 2 decades & I never met anyone or a group of people that really cared with no strings attached. Who would’ve ever thought that people actually would take the time to get to know a bunch of misfits that society gave up on?  My grandma said that in life we will meet a lot of different people, but never forget the special ones. Suzanne is that special one for me. She really makes a difference. PVS, you are a beacon of light for guys like us.”

 Prisoner, USP Coleman 2, FL

Without our Visitors...

...there is no pvs.

Blog Government Digital Service

https://gds.blog.gov.uk/2014/09/15/you-can-now-book-a-prison-visit-online/

You can now book a prison visit online

Booking a prison visit should be simple and straightforward. Until now that was far from the case. Booking a visit required both prisoner and visitor to jump through hoops: paper forms and drawn-out phone calls. And if the visit date turned out to be impossible, they had to start all over again.

Now you can book a visit online . It takes about 5 minutes. Before, picking an available date was pot luck. Now there's a date-picker that lets you select 3 possible slots instead of 1. It’s a straight-forward service with user-needs at its heart but, if you get stuck, you can call the prison's visits booking line and someone will help you with the booking.

Here's a very short film we've made about it:

By making it easier to book visits, prisoners will see more of their friends and family. Evidence suggests this will help their rehabilitation. Transformation isn't just about websites.

The service was built by the Ministry of Justice, with a combined team from the National Offender Management Service, HM Prison Service and MoJ Digital Services.

For more of the story behind this service, read Mike Bracken's account of his trip to HMP Rochester or check out the service’s transformation page .

Join the conversation on Twitter , and don't forget to sign up for email alerts .

You may also be interested in:

• Prison visit booking: using digital analytics to inform alpha development
• Making prison visits easier to book
• Meet the Transformation team

Sharing and comments

Share this page, 20 comments.

Comment by Pauline posted on 23 August 2015

How do you find out the prisoners number??? so you can go ahead with online booking of a visit?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 24 August 2015

You can find a prisoner using this service: https://www.gov.uk/find-prisoner However it will be the prisoner's responsibility to get in touch with you to let you know their prison number etc.

Comment by linda posted on 15 August 2015

This service does not appear to work this is day 2 trying to use it

Comment by Olivia posted on 30 July 2015

Hi, If a visit is booked and someone cant make it, is it possible to change the name of one of the people to someone else?

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 30 July 2015

It's best to contact the prison directly if this happens. You can find contact details here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder

Thanks, Louise

Comment by Paige posted on 28 July 2015

Hi my partner was sent to nottingham today, I was on his previous list 4 months ago for a visit. Will that still be on the system all will it have to he put through again if so how long does it take to be approved for a visit? Thanks Paige.

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 29 July 2015

You might want to get in touch with the prison first before booking a visit. You can find the contact details of the prison here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder

Comment by Debs posted on 27 July 2015

Hello Is there a list of prisons where online booking can't be used?

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 28 July 2015

According to the information on this page: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits , you can arrange a visit to any prison in England and Wales through this service. If you're visiting someone in Northern Ireland or Scotland you'll need to contact the prison directly.

This link also lists the type of visits that are not covered by the online service: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits so you need to get in touch with the prison directly.

Hope that's helpful.

Comment by c.steer posted on 26 July 2015

So how do I find the booking form to fill in I am new to computers

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 27 July 2015

Here's the link to the booking form: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits

You'll need this information to complete the form:

prisoner number prisoner’s date of birth dates of birth for all visitors coming with you make sure the person you’re visiting has added you to their visitor list

Hope that's useful.

Comment by Shawnaa posted on 09 May 2015

i have a visit booked which i did online but i do not have a visiting order woll the prison let me in?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 11 May 2015

Your identity will be checked on arrival to make sure you’re on the visitor list.

Comment by jessicca posted on 27 January 2015

What happens after you book the visit and its confirmed by email do you need the visiting order ?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 29 January 2015

The Visiting Order (VO) number is generated by the booking system, it is included in your confirmation email and you will need this to change or cancel a booking.

However, if you're visiting a prison the guidance is that you only need your ID, not the VO number. If when you visit the prison you are asked for the VO number you should report this via the Contact Us link on the Prison Visits Booking form.

I hope that helps.

Comment by Ilysa Mcnally posted on 18 November 2014

How late in advance can I book e.g. book a visit today (Tuesday) for the Sunday coming???

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 19 November 2014

Hi Ilysa. Thanks for your question. A visit needs to be booked 3 working days in advance. So in this case, the visit request would have to be no later than Tuesday to allow for a visit on Sunday.

Comment by carole posted on 23 October 2014

How far in advance can you book visits

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 23 October 2014

Hi Carole. You can book up to 28 days in advance. Thanks for your question.

Comment by kimberly posted on 16 August 2015

does anyone know how to cancel a visit online?

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Video visits from home have arrived at your facility!

To start or schedule a visit, follow the instructions below. If you have questions, please call 866-516-0115 and select the prompt for video visit.

* Note: Video visits may not be available for all inmates. 

IMPORTANT: To conduct a video visit from home, you need a personal computer, an internet connection, a web camera, a microphone, and Google Chrome as your browser.

Want to visit now, follow these steps to start an on-demand visit:.

1. Go to www.visit.telmate.com 2. Login to your account

3. Click the “Visit” link in the “Quick Links” section on the left

4. Click the person you’d like to visit with

5. Click on “Visit Now” in the “online” section

6. If inmate is available, the visit will start shortly. If the inmate is not available, you will get a message letting you know, and can schedule a visit instead

Want to Visit Later?

Follow these steps to schedule a visit:.

3. Click the “Visit” link in the Quick Links section on the left

5. Click the “Schedule a Visit” button in the “Online” section

6. Click the day you’d like to visit

7. Click the time of day you’d like to visit—morning, afternoon or evening 8. Click the desired length of your visit 9. Click the time you’d like the visit to start

10. Click the green “Confirm” button

11. Read and accept the terms of video visits by clicking the check boxes next to each statement and then clicking the green “I Agree”

IMPORTANT: The inmate must accept your requested visit before it can be confirmed. You will know your visit request was accepted when you receive an email saying “Your Video Visit is Scheduled”.

Don’t Have an Account?

Follow these steps to create one:.

1. Go to www.visit.telmate.com

2. Click the “Create Online Account” button

3. Agree to the terms

4. Provide your information (all fields with an asterisk are required, there are two screens)

5. Verify your account using either your phone number or email address

6. Allow Flash to access your camera and microphone by clicking “Allow” (you will need this access turned on to use video visits)

7. Follow the steps to test your equipment

Have questions?   Please call 866-516-0115 and select the prompt for video visit

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Book a visit to prison

You will need to book a visit if you want to see someone in prison. You can book online to arrange an in person visit or a virtual visit with a prisoner or you can telephone the prison Visits Booking Office.

If you haven't visited a prison before you will need to phone to book your visit. You will be provided with your unique visitor identification number. Once  you have this you can start to book online.

Booking online

To book online for an in person visit or a virtual visit you will need:  

• to have previously booked a visit
• the visit reference number for the prisoner
• the prisoner's number
• your unique visitor identification number
• your date of birth
• your e-mail address and contact number
• the unique visitor identification number and dates of birth for all additional visitors (not needed for a virtual visit)

If you do not have these details, you should phone the relevant booking office.

Booking by telephone

To book a visit by telephone you will need:

• the visit reference number for the prisoner 
• the unique visitor identification number and dates of birth for all additional visitors

If you don't have a unique visitor identification number, you can get one from the booking office which you can use for future visits.

If the person you are visiting has just arrived in prison you will need to ring the booking office and they can arrange a visit.

Virtual visits

A virtual visit can last up to 20 minutes. The visitor can use a personal computer, mobile device or smartphone to have this meeting with the prisoner.

All virtual visits are supervised, if NIPS become aware of any behaviour, language or actions which are considered inappropriate, this will result in the visit ending early and possible removal of the facility in the future.

• Guide to arranging an online visit
• Privacy notice  explaining your rights to privacy when you arrange an online visit

Registering for visits

All visitors need to be registered in the prison they are visiting. When you arrive at Visits Reception you need to be photographed, have a scan taken of your finger and you should bring identification.

• more information about registering for visits

Bringing proof of identification to prison

When you first visit someone in prison, you will need to be registered on the prison system as a visitor. You will need to bring proof of identification with you when you are being registered.

• more information about the types of identification needed

Useful links

• Visiting someone in prison

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How to visit or send money to a prisoner

If you know someone who is in prison, you may be able to support them by visiting or sending them money. Find out how to support someone in federal or state prison.

Visit or send money to someone in state or local prison

Options for visiting or sending money to inmates in state and local prisons vary. Contact the state or local corrections department for more information.

Send money to someone in federal prison

People in federal prison have bank-type accounts that they can use to buy things from the prison commissary. You can deposit money into a federal inmate's account electronically or through a postal money order by mail.

Learn more about depositing money into a federal prisoner’s account .

Visit someone in federal prison

The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) recommends completing these four steps before visiting someone in federal prison:

Find out which prison the person you are visiting is in.

Get approval from the prison to visit.

Review the prison’s rules and regulations before visiting.

View the prison’s visiting schedule and find out how to get there.

Learn more from BOP about each step before planning your visit.

LAST UPDATED: January 31, 2024

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• Crime, justice and law
• Prisons and probation

Chelmsford Prison

Chelmsford is a prison and young offender institution (YOI) in Chelmsford, Essex for men aged 18 and over.

Help us to improve this page. Give us your feedback in this 2-minute survey .

Book and plan your visit to Chelmsford prison

To visit someone in Chelmsford you must:

• be on that person’s visitor list
• book your visit 3 weeks in advance
• have the required ID with you when you go

At least one visitor must be 18 or older at every visit.

There may be a limit to the number of visits a prisoner can have.

Contact Chelmsford if you have any questions about visiting.

Help with the cost of your visit

If you get certain benefits or have an NHS health certificate, you might be able to get help with the costs of your visit , including:

• travel to Chelmsford
• somewhere to stay overnight

How to book family and friends visits

You can  book your visit online

Visiting times:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday, Saturday & Sunday: between 2:15pm and 3:45pm.

Visits on Bank Holidays are subject to change. Updates will be published within the prison to prisoners and via the Ormiston Families Website and within the Visits Centre.

The visitors centre opens at 12:30pm and cut off for entry is 2:15pm. You will not be allowed entry after this time.

How to book legal and professional visits

You can book an in-person legal/professional by email to [email protected] . You must ensure that all prisoner and visitor details are correct.

To help speed up your request, in your email please provide a selection of dates for your proposed visit.

On the day of the visit, ensure that you arrive with the correct ID. See accepted forms of ID here .

Face to face Legal Visits times:

• Monday to Friday: 9am to 10am and 10:30am to 11:30am
• Monday to Thursday: 2pm to 3pm and 3:30pm to 4:30pm

Video call visiting times (via the cloud video platform):

You can request a two-hour time slot from 9am, which will be granted depending on availability.

• Monday to Thursday (PM): 2pm to 3pm and 3:30pm to 4:30pm

Getting to Chelmsford

Find Chelmsford on a map

Chelmsford Prison is about a mile from Chelmsford Station where you can take a taxi or a local bus.

To plan your journey by public transport:

• use National Rail Enquiries
• use Traveline for local bus times

If you drive to Chelmsford Prison, there is no visitor parking. The nearest public car park is 5 minutes walk from the prison on Victoria Road.

Entering Chelmsford

All visitors, aged 16 or older must prove their identity before entering the prison. Read the list of acceptable forms of ID when visiting a prison .

All visitors, including children, will need to be given a pat-down search. You may also be sniffed by security dogs.

Chelmsford has a family friendly dress code policy which means visitors should be appropriately and decently dressed. That means no vests, no sportswear, hoodies or camouflage clothing, no low-cut tops, no shorts and no short dresses or skirts. You may also be refused entry if you wear ripped or torn clothes, steel toe capped shoes, headwear other than that worn for religious reasons and jewellery, except a wedding/engagement ring and small ear studs.

Ormiston families run the tea bar within the visits hall. There is a minimal selection of items available at this time.

There are strict controls on what you can take into Chelmsford. You will have to leave most of the things you have with you in a locker or with security. This includes pushchairs and car seats. You will need £1 for the locker.

You will be told the rules by an officer at the start of your visit. If you break the rules, your visit could be cancelled and you could be banned from visiting again.

Visiting facilities

The visitors centre is run by Ormiston Families and offers support, advice and help to families and friends who come to visit.

The children’s play area and snack bar will be available to use during your visit.

The visitors centre is open:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday  and Thursday: 12:30pm to 4:15pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 12:30pm to 4:15pm

You need to arrive at the Visitor Centre between 12:30pm and 2:10pm for an afternoon visit.  Cut off is 2:15pm and you will not be able to enter the prison after this time.

Telephone: 01245 552 452

Family days

Ormiston Families runs 10 children’s visits and 2 family days each year. Family days give men more time in a relaxing environment to spend with their family and children.

Men can apply for these visits on the wing.

Keep in touch with someone at Chelmsford

There are several ways you can keep in touch with someone during their time at Chelmsford.

Secure video calls

To have a secure video call with someone in this prison you need to:

• Download the Prison Video app
• Create an account
• Register all visitors
• Add the prisoner to your contact list.

How to book a secure video call

You can request a secure video call with someone in this prison via the Prison Video app.

You will receive a notification when your request has been accepted.

Read more about how it works

Phone calls

Most prisoners have phones in their cells but they will always have to call you. They buy phone credits to do this.

They can phone anyone named on their list of friends and family. This list is checked by security when they first arrive so it may take a few days before they are able to call.

Men in the segregation unit do not have phones in their cells but are allowed one call a day.

You can also exchange voicemails using the Prison Voicemail service .

Officers may listen to phone calls as a way of preventing crime and helping keep people safe.

You can send emails to someone in Chelmsford using the Email a Prisoner service . You might also be able to attach photos and receive replies, depending on the rules at the prison.

You can send letters at any time. Include the person’s name and prisoner number on the envelope. If you do not know their prisoner number, contact Chelmsford .

All post, apart from legal letters, will be opened and checked by officers.

Send money and gifts

You can use the free and fast online service to send money to someone in prison .

You can no longer send money by bank transfer, cheque, postal order or send cash by post.

If you cannot use the online service, you may be able to apply for an exemption - for example if you:

• are unable to use a computer, a smart phone or the internet
• do not have a debit card

This will allow you to send money by post.

Gifts and parcels

Only in exceptional circumstances can men in Chelmsford receive parcels. Men can apply for this.

Every new prisoner is given a self-adhesive label and a property information form that they can send out to family or friends for a parcel of items to be sent back. All parcels must have the sender’s name and address on the label and must be couriered by Parcel Force. All instructions on the property information form regarding size, weight, packaging etc must be followed otherwise the parcel will be refused. The parcel can only contain clothing.

All parcels are checked by officers.

Friends and families of prisoners are permitted to send books directly to their loved ones, or can order books from approved retailers, which can source and send the books on to prisoners.

For the full list of approved retailers, you can read the HMPPS Incentives Policy, Annex F .

Life at Chelmsford

Chelmsford is committed to providing a safe and educational environment where men can learn new skills to help them on release.

Security and safeguarding

Every prisoner at Chelmsford has a right to feel safe. The staff are responsible for their safeguarding and welfare at all times.

For further information about what to do when you are worried or concerned about someone in prison visit the Prisoners’ Families helpline website .

Men who need to talk in confidence or who are in distress can make use of the Samaritans’ listener scheme, as well as the ‘insider scheme’ designed to help new prisoners in their first few days.

Arrival and first night

When someone first arrives at Chelmsford, they will be able to contact a family member by phone. This could be quite late in the evening, depending on the time they arrive.

They will get to speak to someone who will check how they’re feeling and ask about any immediate health and wellbeing needs.

Each prisoner who arrives at Chelmsford completes an induction period. They will meet professionals who will help them with:

• health and wellbeing, including mental and sexual health
• any substance misuse issues, including drugs and alcohol
• personal development in custody and on release, including skills, education and training
• other support (sometimes called ‘interventions’), such as managing difficult emotions

Everyone also finds out about the rules, fire safety, and how things like calls and visits work.

Accommodation

Around 750 prisoners are at Chelmsford in a mixture of single and double cells.

Prisoners have access to a gym and a library.

Education and work

Prisoners can take courses in basic skills and education, including maths and English, IT, business, graphic design and personal and social development, all which offer recognised qualifications.

Prisoners have access to a range of vocational training, including painting and decorating, multi skills and industrial cleaning. Chelmsford also offers the health and safety course, the Construction Skills and Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, roofing courses and a music production course.

Work opportunities are available in laundry, recycling, tea packing, card folding, wire stripping, yards, gardens and catering.

Chelmsford Prison has an active resettlement centre which helps prisoners with housing, benefits and employment issues supported by staff from Job Centre Plus and the Ormiston Children and Families Trust.

Temporary release

Chelmsford does not offer release on temporary licence (ROTL).

To access it, prisoners with more than 16 months left to serve are transferred to an appropriate training prison.

Organisations Chelmsford works with

Chelmsford gets support and help from Ormiston Families .

Support for family and friends

Find out about advice and helplines for family and friends .

Support at Chelmsford

Ormiston Families tries to reduce anxiety for young people and children visiting prison and supports their emotional well-being and school attendance by providing a safe space for them to talk, play and express themselves.

For one-to-one support, email: [email protected]

Concerns, problems and complaints

In an emergency.

Call 01245 552 000 if you think a prisoner is at immediate risk of harm. Ask for the Orderly Officer and explain that your concern is an emergency.

Find out about call charges

Problems and complaints

If you have any other problem contact Chelmsford . If you cannot resolve the problem directly, you can make a complaint to HM Prison and Probation Service .

Inspection reports

HM Prison and Probation Service publishes action plans for Chelmsford in response to independent inspections.

Contact Chelmsford

Governor: Garry Newnes

Telephone (24 hours): 01245 552 000 Fax: 01245 552 001 Find out about call charges

HMP/YOI Chelmsford 200 Springfield Road Chelmsford Essex CM2 6LQ

Update to secure video calls.

Updated visiting guidance based on 1 April COVID rule changes

Added link to new safer custody information under Security and safeguarding.

Updated visiting information: Reduced visit schedule and testing for visitors aged 12 and over.

Updated visiting information: Testing for visitors aged 12 and over.

Added link to information about testing for physical contact at visits.

Prison moved into National Stage 3 framework and is now preparing to open visits for family, friends and significant others. We will update this page with specific visiting information as soon as possible.

Updated visit info

Updated visiting information in line with new local restriction tiers.

Updated visiting information in line with new national restrictions in England.

Updated visiting information in line with coronavirus restrictions.

Updated information to include confirmation of secure video calls being available at this prison.

Added survey link

Prison visits update.

First published.

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Watch and prepare for your visit to a prison. This video provides sets out the security procedures visitors can expect when visiting a loved one in prison. Gain insight into the process and understand what is required to ensure a smooth visitation experience for all.

To view the family information booklet in multiply different languages click here, to book a visit online, click the ‘book online’ button for the requested prison..

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This is the Privacy Policy of (hereby referred to as “us” and “we”):

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The purpose of this Privacy Policy is so that individuals understand how we process their information.

We will process any personal information provided to us by individuals, whether it be provided through our website ( www.irishprisons.ie ), customer application form, telephone, email or by any other means, or otherwise held by us in relation to you in the manner set out in this policy.

By submitting your information to us and or by using the Website you confirm your consent to the use of your personal information as set out by this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy please do not use the Website or provide us with any personal information.

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We are the sole owners of the information collected on this site. We only have access to/collect information that you voluntarily give us via email or other direct contact from you. We will not sell or rent this information to anyone.

We will use your information to respond to you, regarding the reason you contacted us. We will not share your information with any third party outside of our organization, other than as necessary to fulfill your request, e.g. to ship an order.

Unless you ask us not to, we may contact you via email in the future to tell you about specials, new products or services, or changes to this privacy policy.

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Information Storage

We will take reasonable steps to ensure that your information is kept secure and protected, including but not limited to electronic data being protected using appropriate software, relevant networks safety and security checks, and, where applicable, any physical data records will be kept in an appropriately secure environment.

Your Access to and Control Over Information

You may opt out of any future contacts from us at any time. You can do the following at any time by contacting us via the email address or phone number given on our website:

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Wherever we collect sensitive information (such as credit card data), that information is encrypted and transmitted to us in a secure way. You can verify this by looking for a lock icon in the address bar and looking for “https” at the beginning of the address of the Web page.

While we use encryption to protect sensitive information transmitted online, we also protect your information offline. Only employees who need the information to perform a specific job (for example, billing or customer service) are granted access to personally identifiable information. The computers/servers in which we store personally identifiable information are kept in a secure environment.

This website may contain links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of any other site that collects personally identifiable information.

The Process

When visiting a Prison, you will be required to pass the security screening process which will include some or all of the following:

• X Ray machine
• Walk through metal detector
• Narcotic / explosive swab detection
• Canine screening
• Pat down search

Should you fail any part of the screening process, a pat down search will then be conducted. Prior to commencing a pat down search, the officer will activate their body worn camera, to record visual and audio footage at that time.

Please note the onus is on the visitor to pass all aspects of the screening process.

Should staff feel it necessary at any point during the screening process, they will also activate the body worn camera for incidents such as threatening and abusive behavior

In order to assist with the screening process:

• Please do not bring any personal belongings or items with you (place all such items in the lockers provided in the waiting room)
• You should only have your photo I.D and locker key on your person when proceeding to the screening area
• Be mindful of the clothing you wear. Clothing with high volume of metal is likely to activate the walk through metal detector & this may lead to restrictions on the type of visit offered or even cancellation of a visit
• Please familiarise yourself with the information and instructional video available on the screen in the waiting room prior to entering the prison.

Prisoner Property

All private/personal property delivered to the prison on behalf of individual prisoners is done so entirely at the prisoner’s own risk. Neither the Governor nor the Irish Prison Service will accept liability for any such property lost, damaged or stolen whilst in transit, in delivery in storage, or in the possession of the prisoner. The Irish Prison Service can accept prisoner property at prison entrances, during family visits to the prison or by post.

The following table outlines a list of authorised items that can be delivered to a prison on behalf of individual prisoners:

The following items are prohibited and will not be accepted by the Irish Prison Service:

• Any clothing that resemble staff uniform items
• No hooded tops
• No steel toe-cap footwear
• Limited belt buckle size
• No ties, braces, sunglasses, hats, caps.
• No clothing with offensive logos (sexist, racial. drug, gang related) etc.
• Large rings
• Long or heavy neck chains
• Only one musical instrument is permitted per prisoner
• Toiletries – can be purchased via prison tuck shop
• No radios – in cell radios are in place
• Reading materials – these are provided by the library service in the prison

It is important to note that all items of private/personal property are subject to Governors permission. Different prisons have differing policies in relation to items a prisoner can have in their cell. This is a matter decided by the Governor of each prison taking into account the security environment in each prison. All items received into the prison will be subject to the necessary security screening.

If you have been approached or put under pressure to smuggle contraband into a prison, please inform an officer or make contact using the confidential phone line (1800 855 717)

All such instances will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

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Visit a prisoner

Introduction.

• How to arrange a visit
• Proof of identification
• Rules for visiting
• Give money and mail to a prisoner
• Distressing news

This guide provides information on how to arrange a visit to a prisoner or detainee in the Northern Territory (NT) and the rules for visiting prisons.

Visiting a young person

Find out more information about visiting a young person in:

• Alice Springs Youth Detention Centre
• or  Don Dale Youth Detention Centre .

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Hakea Online Visitors Booking Form

Important information for visitors Please be aware that social visits may be temporarily suspended if there are high numbers of COVID-19 cases at a facility.

Visitor booking help

For assistance with booking a visit, phone 6 18 9366 6333, Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 4.00 pm (excluding Public Holidays).

Social Visits

• No more than 4 social visitors per table, inclusive of:
• Minimum of 1 adult and up to 3 children. OR
• Maximum of 2 adults and up to 2 children.
• No more than 3 Adults permitted for an E-Visit.
• There is no limit on the number of children permitted for an E-Visit.
• E-Visits are available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3.00 pm to 4.00 pm.

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Hakea Prison Address: Hakea Prison Nicholson Road CANNING VALE WA 6155 Postal address Locked Bag 111 CANNING VALE WA 6970 Telephone: 61 8 9366 6333

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Acknowledgement of Country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.