Cheap Prison Calls:
UK Prison Numbers

When someone is incarcerated in the UK, they are assigned a unique prison number. This number becomes a fundamental part of their identity within the prison system. While it might seem like just an administrative tool, the prison number holds significant importance for both the prison authorities and the inmate. But why do prisoners get assigned a number, how is it determined, and what role does it play in day-to-day prison life, including communication like phone calls? In this article, we’ll explore the purpose of prison numbers, how they’re assigned, and their impact on prisoners and their families.

Why Do Prisoners Get Assigned A Number?

Prisoners are assigned a number for one simple reason: efficient management. Prisons hold thousands of inmates at any given time, many of whom may share the same or similar names. A unique prison number helps ensure that each prisoner is properly identified, and their information is recorded accurately. It helps eliminate confusion, especially when dealing with administrative tasks such as meal requests, healthcare services, legal matters, and communication with family.

Prison numbers ensure that the right prisoner receives the right treatment and services. From distributing medication to processing parole applications, the prison number system ensures accuracy. Beyond mere administrative purposes, the number also plays a crucial role in maintaining security, helping to monitor and track inmates as they move through different parts of the prison and the penal system in general.

How Are Prison Numbers Assigned?

In the UK, a prisoner’s number is assigned automatically upon their arrival at the prison, either at a local remand center or directly at the facility where they will serve their sentence. The number is unique to the prisoner and is tied to all their prison records. The numbering system is standardized across the UK prison system, meaning that a prisoner keeps the same number even if they are transferred to different prisons.

The format of the prison number usually includes a mix of numbers and letters that hold specific meaning. For instance, part of the number might refer to the year of incarceration, while other digits refer to the specific prison where they were first processed. However, the actual format and details of this numbering system can vary slightly from one jurisdiction to another.

Why Use A Number And Not A Name?

While a prisoner’s name is still used within the prison, the prison number is the primary form of identification. Names can be common, and prisons hold large populations with many individuals who share similar or identical names. Using a number eliminates any potential confusion that might arise when two inmates have the same or similar names.

A prison number is a unique identifier that avoids mix-ups in crucial areas, like healthcare and legal documentation. It also makes it easier to manage inmate records across different prisons if a prisoner is moved, as their number follows them wherever they go. It provides an efficient way for prison authorities to keep track of everything related to the prisoner, from their sentence details to their disciplinary records, making the system more streamlined and organized.

How Prison Numbers Impact Phone Calls

Prisoners’ phone calls are regulated and monitored, and their prison number plays a role in this process. In most UK prisons, prisoners are allowed to make outbound phone calls using a prison-provided phone system. To access the system, they must register the phone numbers they wish to call, typically up to a limit of 20 numbers. These numbers are linked to their prison account, which is identified using their unique prison number.

The prison number is key to setting up and managing a prisoner’s phone account, ensuring that the correct call credits are applied and that calls are made from the right prisoner to the authorized contacts. This also helps the prison administration track phone calls for security purposes. In many cases, phone calls are monitored to ensure that no illegal activity or inappropriate communication is happening, and the prison number helps authorities maintain detailed records of all outgoing calls.

Because incoming calls are not allowed in UK prisons, family members and friends cannot directly contact a prisoner by phone. However, they can send letters or set up phone accounts that allow them to be called by the prisoner. In all these processes, the prison number is essential, as it ensures the correct person is receiving the proper correspondence or calls.

How To Find A Prisoner’s Number

If you need to find a prisoner’s number, the best place to start is by contacting the prison where they are being held. Family members can usually obtain a prisoner’s number by providing the prisoner's full name, date of birth, and the name of the prison facility. You can either write to the prison or call the facility’s administrative office.

Additionally, some third-party organizations may offer services that help families stay in touch with their loved ones in prison, and they may be able to assist with finding a prisoner’s number. In some cases, legal representatives may also have access to this information.

When communicating with a prisoner, it’s crucial to include their prison number on all correspondence, whether by post or through authorized services like email a prisoner. Without the number, there’s a risk that letters or important communications may be delayed or lost within the prison system.

Can You Change A Prisoner’s Number?

Once assigned, a prisoner’s number typically stays with them throughout their entire sentence. Even if a prisoner is transferred to a different facility, their number does not change. It’s essentially a permanent identifier within the prison system, designed to ensure continuity and consistency in the prisoner’s records.

There are very few circumstances in which a prisoner’s number might be changed, and these are generally limited to cases of serious administrative error or issues relating to the prisoner’s safety, such as the need for witness protection or other security reasons. However, these cases are extremely rare. In almost all situations, the prisoner will retain their number for the duration of their time in the prison system.

Why Are Prison Numbers So Important?

Prison numbers may seem like a simple administrative detail, but they serve multiple vital purposes in the day-to-day operations of a prison. These numbers help ensure that prisoners are treated correctly, help with communication and tracking, and minimize the risk of errors in the administration of a prisoner’s needs, whether it’s healthcare, meals, or legal documentation.

The use of numbers rather than names is also a way to simplify processes and reduce confusion, especially in systems with high populations. Numbers provide a consistent, efficient means of managing inmates that make it easier for authorities to maintain order and reduce the risk of mistaken identity.

Additionally, prison numbers play a crucial role in communication, particularly with regard to phone calls. Because all authorized phone numbers are linked to a prisoner’s account via their number, it ensures that call credits are allocated correctly and that the right person is making authorized calls.

The prison number is a vital part of the UK prison system, serving as a unique identifier that allows authorities to efficiently manage inmates. From ensuring that records are accurate to streamlining the administration of daily activities like phone calls, the prison number plays a critical role in the operation of a prison.

If you need to contact a prisoner or send them a letter, knowing their prison number is crucial to ensure your message reaches them promptly. This number stays with them for the entire duration of their sentence, making it a consistent tool for prison staff to manage their needs, from health care to legal support. Though it might seem like a small detail, the prison number is an essential part of the system that helps maintain order and ensure accuracy across the UK’s complex prison network.