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GIVING THE PRISONER PROPERTY AND MONEY AT HMP WOODHILL

Handing in property for the prisoner
Sending property to the prisoner in the post
Can I give the prisoner tobacco or cigarettes?
Can I send them a phonecard?
Sending money

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Handing in property for the prisoner
You can bring in property, such as clothing, for a prisoner, but there are regulations and restrictions about what is allowed.

  • all items entering the prison will be thoroughly searched and x-rayed
  • in order to receive property, the prisoner needs to write out a property application for the date that you are coming in for your visit. Therefore the prisoner needs to know when the visit is taking place, and must submit his application no later that 9am on the day before you come
  • the exceptions are for property being brought in on a Saturday, Sunday or Monday. For Saturday visits, the prisoner needs to submit his application before 9am on the Thursday before. For Sunday and Monday visits, he needs to submit it before 9am on the Friday before
  • the prisoner doesn't need to list the items that are coming in, but you can only bring in up to 10 items on each application
  • the prisoner is allowed to submit one property application every seven days for the first four weeks of his entry into HMP Woodhill from court or Police custody. From then on the prisoner can only make one application per calendar month
  • only ten items can be handed in per application

Where to hand in property
Property must be handed in or out before your visit.

The property office is situated at the back of the Visitors? Centre and its opening hours are:

Monday - Thursday: 1.30pm ? 3pm
Saturday morning: 8.45am - 10am
Saturday afternoon: 1.15pm - 3pm
Sunday afternoon: 1.30pm - 3pm

Please take note that if you bring more than 10 items, or if the prisoner's application is not with the property officers, then you will have to take them away with you again.

No items of your own or the prisoners can be kept in the Visitors? Centre due to security reasons. Property must be placed in the lockers provided or if you have travelled by car, placed back in the boot of the car.

Items that can be handed in on a visit
Own clothing

  • underpants (unlimited)
  • socks (unlimited)

Any combination of the following (17 items in total)

  • jumpers, sweatshirts or T-shirts
  • overcoat, raincoat, jacket, track suit top
  • jeans, trousers, track suit bottoms
  • one suit and two shirts for court appearances (to be held in reception)
  • pyjamas (two pairs)

Please note that no garment can be padded, hooded or have offensive motifs. Black camouflage combats and plain black trousers are not allowed.

Footwear

  • shoes or trainers (three pairs)
  • flip flops (one pair)

Please note that trainers with metal badges, sole inserts or clasps are not allowed.

Boots are not allowed unless for medical reasons.

Spectacles
Spectacles are allowed on the property application. But sunglasses are not allowed.

Audio tapes and CDs are no longer allowed.

Miscellaneous items

  • hardback and softback reading books (eight items)
  • a diary or address book (no electronics or spiral bound) (one item)

Religious articles and jewellery
A full list of these articles is kept at the Visitors? Centre. Ask about them when you visit or ring the Visitors' Centre on 01908 507722.

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Sending property to the prisoner in the post
You can post the following items to a prisoner:

  • photographs ? no self photos and not laminated
  • a photo album (small flip-over style only)
  • calendars - 10? x 8? maximum
  • postage stamps ? attached to a pre-written envelope
  • greetings cards ? pre-written, not padded or musical; no bigger than A4
  • cheques, postal orders and cash (see below)

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Can I give the prisoner tobacco or cigarettes?
All prisoners, whether on remand or convicted, have to buy their own tobacco or cigarettes from the canteen list. You can't give tobacco or cigarettes to a prisoner.

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Can I send them a phonecard?
No. Prisoners at HMP Woodhill do not use 'normal' phonecards; instead, a special pin phone system is used. The prisoner needs to fill in a pin phone form on which he lists personal and legal numbers he may need to use. When this has been processed the prisoner will receive a pin code which allows them to use the system.

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Sending money
Under no circumstances can money be handed in. You must send it in the post.

Remand prisoners may spend ?30 per week.
Convicted prisoners can spend ?10 per week.

You can send in cheques, postal orders or cash.

Postal orders and cheques

  • make them payable to 'HMPS'
  • write the prisoner?s name and prison number on the back, and your name address
  • send it to the prisoner at HMP Woodhill. Mail may be delayed if the prisoner's name number and wing are not on the front of the envelope
  • please note that it can take seven working days for cheques to clear

Cash
Cash should be sent by recorded delivery. Address it to the prisoner, stating his name and number clearly on the envelope.