Prior to below when writing do not put any enclosures in (except poastal orders) otherwise letter will be reurned to sender after a weeks delay!
Information for first timers (visitors that is) visiting HMP Bedford Prison:- You need an official invitation from the prisoner, only three allowed for each 45min session. (make sure that prisoner issues a card for each person if you want to go independtly). You are not allowed to take anything into interview area eg mobile phones, pdas, clothes, cigarettes, books magazines. Make a list of phone numbers and names on a scruffy bit of paper as the prisoner will certainly not have them to make calls to. As ALL their personal possesions eg phones have been taken from them. They are only allowed calls after 6pm so that they cannot make calls to offices, banks etc. Take pencil and paper to make any notes etc. Prepare yourself to be photographed (you must take ID with you) stamped, searched, sniffed, (women only mouth inspected) and generally demeaned. Anything the prisoner wants or you want from the prisoner (eg keys) must have been specifically and officially requested by the prisoner prior to the meeting and forwarded to you by letter, with form allowing your visit see 1. Note this includes items such as books magazines etc. Don't believe anything told you be 'civilian' members of the staff on the phone. Remand prisoners are allowed £30 per week which has to be sent by postal order! Remember first week is most important as they have to buy everything (shaving kit, toiletries etc) from internal shop. Above information is deadly accurate at November 7th 2002. But remember all UK prisons are personal fiefdoms so the rules vary widely from prison to prison and are not centrally controlled. Good luck just think its infintly worse for the convicts!
8:49:20 AM 
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