You’ll spend a lot of time locked in your cell. Everyone except those on Basic will have a small TV with a limited channel selection, though radio facilities are rare in-cell – many prisoners buy a small radio or hi-fi from the facilities list instead. Wi-fi capable devices are banned, though some game consoles are allowed depending on your IEP status. Remember you’ll usually be sharing a cell, so don’t expect your own TV or screen.
Prisoners make heavy use of the library. Each week you’ll get a slot to change your books and read the papers, though exactly when depends on your wing and spur.
Smoking isn’t allowed in any enclosed space in a prison, but you can vape within your own cell. In practice this rule gets bent on the wings too – you can get an IEP warning for it, but plenty of officers let it slide, which is part of why prisons tend to smell fairly unpleasant. When you first arrive you should be placed with a non-smoker if you asked for that; if not, speak to your personal officer or the wing office about a cell move. Prisons will also offer help if you want to quit.
Sharing a cell isn’t easy. Everyone has to compromise, but if you’re having real problems with a cellmate, talk to the wing office. Don’t expect much sympathy if the issue is just a difference of taste in TV – but if there’s a racial, religious or sexual-orientation element to it, they will get involved.
More in this section:
| Accommodation | Getting things done |
| Phone and letters | Meals and Food |
| Drugs treatment | Personal clothing and equipment |
| Self Improvement | Learning to read |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have a TV in my cell?
Everyone except those on the Basic IEP level will have a small TV with a limited channel selection. In-cell radio facilities are rare, so many prisoners buy a small radio or hi-fi from the facilities list instead; wi-fi capable devices are banned, though some game consoles are allowed depending on IEP status.
Can I smoke or vape in my cell?
Smoking isn’t allowed in any enclosed space in a prison, but you can vape within your own cell. If you asked to be placed with a non-smoker on arrival you should be, and if not you can speak to your personal officer or the wing office about a cell move; prisons will also offer help if you want to quit.
What if I don’t get on with my cellmate?
Sharing a cell isn’t easy and everyone has to compromise. If you’re having real problems, talk to the wing office — don’t expect much sympathy if it’s just a difference of taste in TV, but if there’s a racial, religious or sexual-orientation element to it, staff will get involved.
How often can I change my library books?
Prisoners make heavy use of the library, and you’ll get a slot each week to change your books and read the papers, though exactly when depends on your wing and spur.