We use some essential cookies to make this website work.
We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.
We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.
You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
Departments, agencies and public bodies
News stories, speeches, letters and notices
Detailed guidance, regulations and rules
Reports, analysis and official statistics
Consultations and strategy
Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports
Send money to a prisoner in England and Wales by debit card for free
Apply for help with the cost of prison visits, including travel to the prison, accommodation, meals.
The range of prison sentences a court can give - including suspended, fixed-term, indeterminate and life sentences.
If you’re sent to prison for 2 or more crimes, you’ll usually get a…
A suspended prison sentence is served in the community instead of in…
A determinate prison sentence is for a fixed length of time. It includes a…
An indeterminate prison sentence does not have a fixed length of time.…
If you’re found guilty of murder, a court must give you a life sentence. A…
If you’re under 18 you’ll be treated differently to adults by a court. You…
Assess and manage the risks posed by sexual and violent offenders: guidance for the police, prison service and probation trusts.
The home of HM Prison Service on GOV.UK. We keep those sentenced to prison in custody, helping them lead law-abiding and useful lives, both while they are in prison and after they are released.
Use this service to create barcodes and addresses to display in your legal correspondence or your confidential access mail.
What to expect if you're sent to prison - prison rules and regulations, healthcare and education, prisoner rights
We employ people in a variety of officer, healthcare, chaplaincy, managerial, support and administrative roles.
What happens to benefits if you or someone in your family goes to prison or is on remand.
Apply to cover the costs of visiting a partner or close family member in prison with the Help with Prison Visits scheme.
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab).