As a prisoner you will spend a significant amount of time being locked in your cell. Everybody except those on Basic will have access to a small TV with a limited selection of channels, but in most cases no radio facilities. Many prisoners purchase from the facilities list a small radio or even a small HiFi system. Electronic gadgets which have a wifi capability are forbidden, however some game consoles are allowed, depending on your IEP status. Remember however that you are likely to be sharing a cell with another person and won’t have your own TV or monitor. Prisoners are avid users of the library facilities within the prison. Each week you will be allowed to go to the library to change your books and to read the papers. The times when this is available will depend on your wing/spur.
Smoking is not permitted in any enclosed space within a prison, however prisoners are allowed to VAPE within the confines of their own cell. This rule is largely ignored by prisoners when on the wing, and whilst they can receive an IEP warning if caught a high perentage of prisoner officers ignore the rule as well. Prisons tend, therefore, to be rather dirty and unpleasant smelling. When you are first allocated to a cell you should be placed with a “non smoker” if this was your request, if not then ask your personal officer or at the wing office for a cell move. If you are a smoker establishments will be offered help in kicking the habit.
Sharing a cell is difficult. Compromises must be made by all the occupants , but if you have real problems with your cellmates talk to the wing office. They will have no sympathy if the problem is that he wants to watch East Enders while you want to watch MasterMind, but if there is racial/religious/sexual orientation problems they will help.