Prisoner Wellbeing (Safer Custody)
When a loved one is sent to prison, it’s natural to feel concerned about their well-being, especially in the unfamiliar environment of a custodial setting. One of the key priorities of the prison service is safer custody, which refers to the systems and procedures in place to protect individuals from harm, ensure their physical and mental well-being, and prevent self-harm or incidents of violence within the prison.
At POPS, we understand that families want to know how their loved ones are being looked after while in prison. This page provides an overview of the safer custody procedures in place within the UK prison system and how you can stay informed and supported during this challenging time.
What is Safer Custody?
Safer custody is a set of practices and policies that aim to protect prisoners and ensure their safety while incarcerated. This includes preventing foreseeable incidents of injury and harm, violence and bullying. It also involves promoting the mental health and well-being of prisoners, addressing their vulnerabilities, and providing support when needed.
The prison service takes these issues very seriously and implements various strategies to safeguard individuals, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to harm, such as those with mental health issues or those who are new to prison.
Key Elements of Safer Custody Procedures
- Risk Assessment
Upon arrival, each prisoner is assessed to determine their level of risk and vulnerability. This includes assessing mental health, history of self-harm, and whether they might be at risk of bullying or violence. The information gathered helps to ensure that the prisoner is placed in the right environment for their safety. - Vulnerability and Support Plans
Prison staff create individual support plans for prisoners identified as vulnerable. These plans may include regular check-ins with healthcare staff, mental health professionals, or prison officers. The goal is to ensure the prisoner receives the necessary care and attention to prevent harm. - Observation and Monitoring
Prisons have procedures in place for continuous monitoring of prisoners’ safety. This includes regular observation by staff and, in certain cases, 24-hour monitoring for those who may be at immediate risk of harm or suicide. - Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention
Prisons implement specific protocols for preventing self-harm and suicide. This includes making sure that any prisoners identified as at risk of self-harm are closely monitored and provided with appropriate mental health care and support. Many prisons also offer listener schemes, where trained prisoners offer support to others who may be struggling emotionally. - Support from Healthcare Services
Mental health support is a crucial component of safer custody. Prisoners can access healthcare services, including counselling, psychiatric care, and addiction support. The mental health needs of a prisoner are often closely monitored, and appropriate interventions are made to ensure their ongoing well-being.
How Can Families Stay Informed About Safer Custody?
While the prison is responsible for ensuring the safety of its inmates, families play a crucial role in providing emotional support. If you’re worried about your loved one’s safety or well-being in prison, there are several steps you can take:
- Contacting the Prison
If you have concerns about your loved one’s safety, you should first reach out to the prison where they are held. Prisons have specific channels for communicating concerns about a prisoner’s well-being. You can contact each prisons Safer Custody Team (or Safety Team) via a direct telephone hotline or via the Prisoners’ Families Helpline online portal. - Visitor and Phone Calls
Regular visits and phone calls are important for maintaining contact and providing emotional support. During visits, you can ask the prison staff about the safer custody procedures in place and discuss any concerns you may have. Sometimes, speaking directly to the prison staff can help you feel more reassured about your loved one’s care. - Contact POPS for Support
At POPS, we offer guidance and support for families who are worried about their loved one’s well-being in prison. We can help you understand safer custody procedures, provide advice on how to communicate with prison staff, and connect you with resources that can offer emotional and practical support. - Independent Monitoring Boards (IMBs)
Every prison has an Independent Monitoring Board (IMB), which is an independent body that oversees the treatment of prisoners and their conditions. If you feel your loved one is being treated unfairly or their safety is at risk, you can contact the IMB for assistance.
How POPS Can Help
At POPS, we are committed to supporting families who have a loved one in the criminal justice system. We understand how worrying it can be when a family member is in prison, and we are here to offer practical advice, emotional support, and resources to help you navigate this difficult time.
Contacting Safer Custody
If you think there is an immediate risk to the person, please call the main number for the prison and ask to speak to someone directly. Ask to speak to someone in the Safer Custody Team, or to the Duty Governor/Orderly Officer if they are not available. Make it clear to the member of staff on the switch board that you think there is an immediate risk to the person to ensure you are transferred to a member of staff and not a voicemail service.
If your concern is urgent but not life-threatening, please call the Safer Custody Helpline for the prison where your loved one is being held or contact the prison safer custody team using the web form on the Prisoners’ Families Helpline website (the team will pick up all contact forms within 72 hours).
