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What Items Can Prisoners Purchase?

Going to prison restricts many aspects of life, including the freedom to acquire and possess personal items. However prisoners in the UK are allowed to purchase certain items through a prison canteen or "spends" system. This system enables inmates to buy various products to improve their quality of life, within the limits of prison regulations. These items can include essential toiletries, food, and sometimes luxury products such as sweets, snacks, or personal grooming tools. In this article, we will explore what items prisoners can purchase, how the prison canteen system works, and the benefits of allowing inmates access to certain goods.

How the prison canteen system works

The prison canteen system is a regulated service that provides prisoners with an opportunity to purchase goods. Inmates do not use cash; instead, they are given a weekly allowance known as "spends," which is credited to their prison account. This credit can be earned through work or as part of their prison status (standard, enhanced, etc.).

Prisoners have a limited amount of money to spend, depending on their status, with entry-level prisoners typically receiving around £10 per week, standard prisoners around £15.50, and enhanced prisoners up to £25 per week. Inmates can also use money sent by family and friends to top up their canteen account, allowing them to purchase additional items.

Each prison operates its own canteen system, and the selection of items available may vary slightly from one facility to another. However, all prisons provide a basic range of goods to meet prisoners’ personal needs. Prisoners can submit an order form for items they wish to buy, and these are typically delivered once a week.

What items can prisoners buy?

The items available to prisoners vary from basic necessities to small luxuries, depending on the prison and the inmate's budget. Below is a list of the most common items that prisoners can purchase through the prison canteen system:

‍Toiletries
‍One of the most important categories of items prisoners can buy is toiletries. Maintaining personal hygiene is essential for the well-being of prisoners, especially in a confined environment. Common toiletries available include:

- SoapShampoo and conditioner
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Deodorant
- Razors and shaving cream
- Toilet paper
- Moisturizers
- Sanitary products (for female inmates)

These items help ensure that prisoners can take care of themselves and maintain basic hygiene, reducing the risk of illness and infections within the prison population.

Food and Snacks
‍Although prisoners are provided with regular meals by the prison, they can purchase additional food and snacks to supplement their diet. This gives inmates some degree of control over their meals, allowing them to indulge in treats or buy items they may not get in their daily meals. Common items in this category include:

- CrispsChocolate bars and sweets
- Instant noodles or soups
- Coffee, tea, and powdered milk
- Biscuits and cakes
- Canned or packaged food (such as baked beans, tuna, or corned beef)

These food items offer prisoners a way to make their meals more enjoyable, as prison food is often basic and repetitive. Having access to extra snacks can improve morale and provide some comfort during their time inside.

Clothing
‍In UK prisons, inmates are typically issued a standard uniform. However, prisoners can purchase additional clothing or accessories through the canteen, although the selection is usually limited. Items might include:

- SocksUnderwear
- T-shirtsTrainers or slippers
- Basic hats or scarves

Some prisoners prefer to buy their own underwear or socks for comfort and personal preference. Enhanced prisoners may be allowed to wear some of their personal clothing items, depending on the prison rules.

Stationery and Writing Materials
‍Prisoners are encouraged to maintain communication with family and friends, and having access to writing materials is essential for this. Items such as paper, envelopes, and pens are available for purchase in most prisons. Inmates can also buy stamps to send letters. In some cases, prisoners can purchase prepaid phone cards to make calls to approved numbers.Communication is crucial for prisoners, helping them stay connected to the outside world and maintain relationships. Writing letters can also be therapeutic for inmates, providing a creative outlet and helping them process their thoughts.

Tobacco Products
‍Historically, tobacco products were one of the most common items purchased by prisoners. However, in 2018, smoking was banned across all UK prisons. This means prisoners are no longer able to buy cigarettes, rolling tobacco, or other tobacco-related products. While this change was initially met with resistance from inmates, the ban was implemented to improve health outcomes for both prisoners and staff, reducing the risks associated with smoking and second-hand smoke.Since the smoking ban, some prisoners have turned to nicotine replacement products such as nicotine gum or patches, which may be available for purchase or provided by the prison.

Grooming Items
‍In addition to basic toiletries, prisoners can purchase grooming items to maintain their appearance. This is particularly important for prisoners who may have court appearances or visits from family members. Common grooming items include:

- Hairbrushes or combs
- Hair gel or styling products
- Electric razors (in certain prisons)
- Nail clippers

Access to grooming products helps prisoners maintain their dignity and feel presentable, which can have a positive impact on their mental health and self-esteem.

Books and Magazines
‍Reading material is another category of items that prisoners can purchase. While many prisons have libraries where inmates can borrow books, prisoners who want to own specific books or magazines may be able to buy them through the canteen system. Magazines, in particular, are popular among inmates as they provide entertainment and a way to stay informed about current events.

Educational materials, such as textbooks or self-help books, are also available for purchase in some prisons. This allows inmates to continue their education or engage in personal development while incarcerated.

Additional Items
n addition to the canteen system, prisoners may receive approved items from family or friends. These items must be sent through official channels and comply with the prison's strict rules on what can and cannot be accepted. Typically, prisons have limits on the types and quantities of items that can be sent to inmates.

Some prisons also have charity schemes that provide basic necessities to prisoners who do not have money to purchase items through the canteen. These schemes ensure that all inmates have access to essential goods, even if they cannot afford to buy them.

Canteen purchases for prisoners

Allowing prisoners to purchase personal items through the canteen system offers several benefits:

Improved Quality of Life
‍The ability to buy items such as snacks, toiletries, and personal grooming products can greatly improve a prisoner’s quality of life. These small comforts can help reduce the stress and monotony of prison life, making the experience more bearable.

Encouraging Good Behavior
‍The canteen system also plays a role in maintaining discipline within the prison. Enhanced prisoners, who demonstrate good behavior, are rewarded with a higher weekly allowance, allowing them to purchase more items. This incentive system encourages inmates to follow the rules and engage in positive behavior, with the promise of being able to access additional privileges.

Promoting Responsibility and Financial Management
‍The canteen system teaches prisoners valuable skills in financial management. Since prisoners have a limited weekly allowance, they must prioritize their purchases and learn to budget their "spends" carefully. This responsibility helps inmates develop financial literacy, which can be useful when they reintegrate into society after their release.

Maintaining Mental Health
‍Personal items, such as books, magazines, or favorite snacks, can provide prisoners with a sense of normalcy and control in an otherwise restrictive environment. These small indulgences can have a positive effect on a prisoner’s mental health, helping them cope with the challenges of incarceration.

The canteen system in UK prisons plays an important role in the daily lives of inmates, providing them with access to essential goods and small comforts. While the items available for purchase are limited and tightly regulated, they allow prisoners to maintain personal hygiene, stay connected with loved ones, and manage their own finances. The ability to buy personal items through the canteen system also helps promote good behavior and contributes to the overall well-being of prisoners.

By understanding what items prisoners can purchase, we gain insight into the ways that the prison system attempts to balance security with the need to provide for the basic needs and well-being of inmates.