Information about prisons If you would like any more information on how we or other organisations can help you, please call our helpline on 0808 808 3444. Ministry of Justice - the government department that runs the Prison Service, as well as the courts, probation, criminal law and sentencing. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons- the independent inspection body which reports on conditions in prisons in England and Wales. You can download inspection reports directly from their website. Prisons and Probation Ombudsman - the ombudsman, Stephen Shaw, investigates complaints from prisoners and others. He is completely independent from the Prison Service and the Probation Service. Inside Time - the newspaper for prisoners. Their website also contains information about prisons and visiting someone inside. Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody - an independent panel that helps shape government policy in this area.