Statutory Instruments

1999 No. 728

PRISONS

The Prison Rules 1999

Made

10th March 1999

Laid before Parliament

11th March 1999

Coming into force

1st April 1999

In exercise of the powers conferred upon me by section 47 of the Prison Act 1952M1, I hereby make the following Rules:

Marginal Citations

M11952 c. 52; section 47 was affected by an amendment to section 52(2) of that Act by section 66(4) of the Criminal Justice Act 1967 (c. 80) and was extended by section 85(2) and (4) of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53).

PART IE+W

Citation and commencementE+W

1.  These Rules may be cited as the Prison Rules 1999 and shall come into force on 1st April 1999.

InterpretationE+W

2.—(1) In these Rules, where the context so admits, the expression—

(2) In these Rules—

(a)a reference to an award of additional days means additional days awarded under these Rules by virtue of section 42 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 [F20or by virtue of section 257 of the 2003 Act];

(b)a reference to the Church of England includes a reference to the Church in Wales; and

(c)a reference to a numbered rule is, unless otherwise stated, a reference to the rule of that number in these Rules and a reference in a rule to a numbered paragraph is, unless otherwise stated, a reference to the paragraph of that number in that rule.

Textual Amendments

F1Words in rule 2(1) substituted (18.4.2005) by The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2005 (S.I. 2005/869), rule 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 1 (with rule 1(2))

F10Words in rule 2(1) added (1.4.2008) by The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2008 (S.I. 2008/597), rules 1, 3

F11Words in rule 2(1) added (26.1.2004) by The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2003 (S.I. 2003/3301), rules 1, 3

F13Words in rule 2(1) inserted (8.12.2021 immediately after 2021 c. 18 comes into force) by The Prison and Young Offender Institution (Amendment) Rules 2021 (S.I. 2021/1279), rules 1(3), 2(2)(a); S.I. 2021/1280, reg. 2

F14Words in rule 2(1) inserted (8.12.2021 immediately after 2021 c. 18 comes into force) by The Prison and Young Offender Institution (Amendment) Rules 2021 (S.I. 2021/1279), rules 1(3), 2(2)(b); S.I. 2021/1280, reg. 2

F17Words in rule 2(1) omitted (13.8.2014 at 5.00 p.m.) by virtue of The Prison and Young Offender Institution (Amendment) Rules 2014 (S.I. 2014/2169), rules 1, 2(2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Marginal Citations

Coronavirus period – transition periodE+W

F212A.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

PART IIE+W PRISONERS

GENERALE+W

Purpose of prison training and treatmentE+W

3.  The purpose of the training and treatment of convicted prisoners shall be to encourage and assist them to lead a good and useful life.

Outside contactsE+W

4.—(1) Special attention shall be paid to the maintenance of such relationships between a prisoner and his family as are desirable in the best interests of both.

(2) A prisoner shall be encouraged and assisted to establish and maintain such relations with persons and agencies outside prison as may, in the opinion of the governor, best promote the interests of his family and his own social rehabilitation.

After careE+W

5.  From the beginning of a prisoner’s sentence, consideration shall be given, in consultation with the appropriate after-care organisation, to the prisoner’s future and the assistance to be given him on and after his release.

Maintenance of order and disciplineE+W

6.—(1) Order and discipline shall be maintained with firmness, but with no more restriction than is required for safe custody and well ordered community life.

(2) In the control of prisoners, officers shall seek to influence them through their own example and leadership, and to enlist their willing co-operation.

(3) At all times the treatment of prisoners shall be such as to encourage their self-respect and a sense of personal responsibility, but a prisoner shall not be employed in any disciplinary capacity.

Classification of prisonersE+W

7.—(1) [F22Subject to paragraphs (1A) to (1D), prisoners] shall be classified, in accordance with any directions of the Secretary of State, having regard to their age, temperament and record and with a view to maintaining good order and facilitating training and, in the case of convicted prisoners, of furthering the purpose of their training and treatment as provided by rule 3.

[F23(1A) Except where paragraph (1D) applies, a prisoner who has the relevant deportation status must not be classified as suitable for open conditions.

(1B) If, immediately before the relevant time—

(a)a prisoner has been classified as suitable for open conditions; and

(b)the prison has received notice that the prisoner has the relevant deportation status,

the prisoner’s classification must be reconsidered in accordance with this rule as soon as practicable after the relevant time.

(1C) If—

(a)a prisoner has been classified as suitable for open conditions (whether before or after the relevant time); and

(b)the prison receives notice after the relevant time that the prisoner has the relevant deportation status,

the prisoner’s classification must be reconsidered in accordance with this rule as soon as practicable after the prison receives that notice.

(1D) This paragraph applies if a prisoner has been classified as suitable for open conditions and is located in open conditions immediately before the prisoner’s classification is reconsidered, whether under paragraph (1B) or (1C) or otherwise.

(1E) For the purposes of this rule, a prisoner has the relevant deportation status if—

(a)there is a deportation order against the prisoner under section 5(1) of the Immigration Act 1971; and

(b)no appeal under section 82(1) of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (“the 2002 Act”) that may be brought or continued from within the United Kingdom in relation to the decision to make the deportation order—

(i)could be brought (ignoring any possibility of an appeal out of time with permission), or

(ii)is pending (within the meaning of section 104 of the 2002 Act).

(1F) In paragraph (1E), the reference to the decision to make the deportation order includes a decision that section 32(5) of the UK Borders Act 2007 applies in respect of the prisoner.

(1G) In this rule, “the relevant time” means 5.00 p.m on 13th August 2014.]

(2) Unconvicted prisoners:

(a)shall be kept out of contact with convicted prisoners as far as the governor considers it can reasonably be done, unless and to the extent that they have consented to share residential accommodation or participate in any activity with convicted prisoners; and

(b)shall under no circumstances be required to share a cell with a convicted prisoner.

(3) Prisoners committed or attached for contempt of court, or for failing to do or abstain from doing anything required to be done or left undone:

(a)shall be treated as a separate class for the purposes of this rule;

(b)notwithstanding anything in this rule, may be permitted to associate with any other class of prisoners if they are willing to do so; and

(c)shall have the same privileges as an unconvicted prisoner under rules 20(5), 23(1) and 35(1).

(4) Nothing in this rule shall require a prisoner to be deprived unduly of the society of other persons.

Textual Amendments

PrivilegesE+W

8.—(1) There shall be established at every prison systems of privileges F24... appropriate to the classes of prisoners there, which shall include arrangements under which money earned by prisoners in prison may be spent by them within the prison.

(2) Systems of privileges [F25established] under paragraph (1) may include arrangements under which prisoners may be allowed time outside their cells and in association with one another, in excess of the minimum time which, subject to the other provisions of these Rules apart from this rule, is otherwise allowed to prisoners at the prison for this purpose.

(3) Systems of privileges [F26established] under paragraph (1) may include arrangements under which privileges may be granted to prisoners only in so far as they have met, and for so long as they continue to meet, specified standards in their behaviour and their performance in work or other activities.

(4) Systems of privileges which include arrangements of the kind referred to in paragraph (3) shall include procedures to be followed in determining whether or not any of the privileges concerned shall be granted, or shall continue to be granted, to a prisoner; such procedures shall include a requirement that the prisoner be given reasons for any decision adverse to him together with a statement of the means by which he may appeal against it.

(5) Nothing in this rule shall be taken to confer on a prisoner any entitlement to any privilege or to affect any provision in these Rules other than this rule as a result of which any privilege may be forfeited or otherwise lost or a prisoner deprived of association with other prisoners.

Textual Amendments

Temporary releaseE+W

9.—(1) [F27Subject to paragraph (1A), the Secretary of State] may, in accordance with the other provisions of this rule, release temporarily a prisoner to whom this rule applies.

[F28(1A) A prisoner who has the relevant deportation status must not be released under this rule unless the prisoner is located in open conditions immediately before the time of release.]

(2) A prisoner may be released under this rule for any period or periods and subject to any conditions.

(3) A prisoner may only be released under this rule:

(a)on compassionate grounds or for the purpose of receiving medical treatment;

(b)to engage in employment or voluntary work;

(c)to receive instruction or training which cannot reasonably be provided in the prison;

(d)to enable him to participate in any proceedings before any court, tribunal or inquiry;

(e)to enable him to consult with his legal adviser in circumstances where it is not reasonably practicable for the consultation to take place in the prison;

(f)to assist any police officer in any enquiries;

(g)to facilitate the prisoner’s transfer between prisons;

(h)to assist him in maintaining family ties or in his transition from prison life to freedom; or

F29(i). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) A prisoner shall not be released under this rule unless the Secretary of State is satisfied that there would not be an unacceptable risk of his committing offences whilst released or otherwise failing to comply with any condition upon which he is released.

(5) The Secretary of State shall not release under this rule a prisoner serving a sentence of imprisonment if, having regard to:

(a)the period or proportion of his sentence which the prisoner has served or, in a case where paragraph (10) does not apply to require all the sentences he is serving to be treated as a single term, the period or proportion of any such sentence he has served; and

(b)the frequency with which the prisoner has been granted temporary release under this rule,

the Secretary of State is of the opinion that the release of the prisoner would be likely to undermine public confidence in the administration of justice.

(6) If a prisoner has been temporarily released under this rule during the relevant period and has been sentenced to imprisonment for a criminal offence committed whilst at large following that release, he shall not be released under this rule unless his release, having regard to the circumstances of this conviction, would not, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, be likely to undermine public confidence in the administration of justice.

(7) For the purposes of paragraph (6), “the relevant period":

(a)in the case of a prisoner serving a determinate sentence of imprisonment, is the period he has served in respect of that sentence, unless, notwithstanding paragraph (10), the sentences he is serving do not fall to be treated as a single term, in which case it is the period since he was last released in relation to one of those sentences under Part II of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 (“the 1991 Act") M4 [F30or Chapter 6 of Part 12 of the 2003 Act];

(b)in the case of a prisoner serving an indeterminate sentence of imprisonment, is, if the prisoner has previously been released on licence under Part II of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 M5 or Part II of the 1991 Act [F31or Chapter 6 of Part 12 of the 2003 Act], the period since the date of his last recall to prison in respect of that sentence or, where the prisoner has not been so released, the period he has served in respect of that sentence; or

(c)in the case of a prisoner detained in prison for any other reason, is the period for which the prisoner has been detained for that reason;

save that where a prisoner falls within two or more of sub-paragraphs (a) to (c), the “relevant period", in the case of that prisoner, shall be determined by whichever of the applicable sub-paragraphs produces the longer period.

(8) A prisoner released under this rule may be recalled to prison at any time whether the conditions of his release have been broken or not.

[F32(8A) If, immediately before the relevant time, a prisoner has been released under this rule and the prison has received notice that the prisoner has the relevant deportation status, the prisoner must be recalled unless—

(a)the period for which the prisoner has been released is due to expire on 13th August 2014; or

(b)the prisoner was released from open conditions.

(8B) If a prisoner has been released under this rule (whether before or after the relevant time) and the prison receives notice after the relevant time that the prisoner has the relevant deportation status, the prisoner must be recalled unless—

(a)the period for which the prisoner has been released is due to expire on the day on which the prison receives that notice; or

(b)the prisoner was released from open conditions.]

(9) This rule applies to prisoners other than persons committed in custody for trial or to be sentenced or otherwise dealt with before or by any Crown Court or remanded in custody by any court.

[F33(10) For the purposes of any reference in this rule to an inmate’s sentence, consecutive terms and terms which are wholly or partly concurrent shall be treated as a single term.]

(11) In this rule:

(a)any reference to a sentence of imprisonment shall be construed as including any sentence to detention or custody; and

(b)any reference to release on licence or otherwise under Part II of the 1991 Act includes any release on licence under any legislation providing for early release on licence.

[F34(c)any reference to a prisoner who has the relevant deportation status is to be read in accordance with rule 7(1E) and (1F); and

(d)any reference to the relevant time is to be read in accordance with rule 7(1G).]

Textual Amendments

Marginal Citations

Coronavirus Restricted Temporary ReleaseE+W

F359A.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Information to prisonersE+W

10.—(1) Every prisoner shall be provided, as soon as possible after his reception into prison, and in any case within 24 hours, with information in writing about those provisions of these Rules and other matters which it is necessary that he should know, including earnings and privileges, and the proper means of making requests and complaints.

(2) In the case of a prisoner aged less than 18, or a prisoner aged 18 or over who cannot read or appears to have difficulty in understanding the information so provided, the governor, or an officer deputed by him, shall so explain it to him that he can understand his rights and obligations.

(3) A copy of these Rules shall be made available to any prisoner who requests it.

Requests and complaintsE+W

11.—[F36(1) A prisoner may make a request or complaint to the governor or independent monitoring board relating to the prisoner’s imprisonment.]

(2) F37... The governor shall [F38consider as soon as possible] any requests and complaints that are made to him under paragraph (1).

(3) A written request or complaint under paragraph (1) may be made in confidence.

Textual Amendments

WOMEN PRISONERSE+W

Women prisonersE+W

12.—(1) Women prisoners shall normally be kept separate from male prisoners.

(2) The Secretary of State may, subject to any conditions he thinks fit, permit a woman prisoner to have her baby with her in prison, and everything necessary for the baby’s maintenance and care may be provided there.

RELIGIONE+W

Religious denominationE+W

13.  A prisoner shall be treated as being of the religious denomination stated in the record made in pursuance of section 10(5) of the Prison Act 1952 M6 but the governor may, in a proper case and after due enquiry, direct that record to be amended.

Marginal Citations

Special duties of chaplains and prison ministersE+W

14.—(1) The chaplain or a prison minister of a prison shall [F39(or during a coronavirus period shall so far as reasonably practicable)]—

(a)interview every prisoner of his denomination individually soon after the prisoner’s reception into that prison and shortly before his release; and

(b)if no other arrangements are made, read the burial service at the funeral of any prisoner of his denomination who dies in that prison.

(2) The chaplain shall [F40(or during a coronavirus period shall so far as reasonably practicable)] visit daily all prisoners belonging to the Church of England who are sick, under restraint or undergoing cellular confinement; and a prison minister shall do the same, as far as he reasonably can, for prisoners of his denomination.

(3) The chaplain shall [F41(or during a coronavirus period shall so far as reasonably practicable)] visit any prisoner not of the Church of England who is sick, under restraint or undergoing cellular confinement, and is not regularly visited by a minister of his denomination, if the prisoner is willing.

Textual Amendments

Regular visits by ministers of religionE+W

15.—(1) The chaplain shall visit the prisoners belonging to the Church of England.

(2) A prison minister shall visit the prisoners of his denomination as regularly as he reasonably can.

(3) Where a prisoner belongs to a denomination for which no prison minister has been appointed, the governor shall do what he reasonably can, if so requested by the prisoner, to arrange for him to be visited regularly by a minister of that denomination.

Religious servicesE+W

16.—(1) The chaplain shall [F42(or during a coronavirus period shall so far as reasonably practicable)] conduct Divine Service for prisoners belonging to the Church of England at least once every Sunday, Christmas Day and Good Friday, and such celebrations of Holy Communion and weekday services as may be arranged.

(2) Prison ministers shall conduct Divine Service for prisoners of their denominations at such times as may be arranged.

Textual Amendments

Substitute for chaplain or prison ministerE+W

17.—(1) A person approved by the Secretary of State may act for the chaplain in his absence.

(2) A prison minister may, with the leave of the Secretary of State, appoint a substitute to act for him in his absence.

Sunday workE+W

18.  Arrangements shall be made so as not to require prisoners of the Christian religion to do any unnecessary work on Sunday, Christmas Day or Good Friday, or prisoners of other religions to do any such work on their recognised days of religious observance.

Religious booksE+W

19.  There shall, so far as reasonably practicable, be available for the personal use of every prisoner such religious books recognised by his denomination as are approved by the Secretary of State for use in prisons.

MEDICAL ATTENTIONE+W

[F43Health servicesE+W

20.—(1) The governor must work in partnership with local health care providers to secure the provision to prisoners of access to the same quality and range of services as the general public receives from the National Health Service.

(2) Every request by a prisoner to see a health care professional shall be recorded by the officer to whom it was made and promptly communicated to a health care professional.

(3) If an unconvicted prisoner desires the attendance of a named registered medical practitioner or dentist other than one already working in the prison, and will pay any expense incurred, the governor must, if satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for the request and unless the Secretary of State otherwise directs, allow the prisoner to be visited and treated by that practitioner or dentist, in consultation with a registered medical practitioner who works in the prison.

(4) Subject to any directions given in the particular case by the Secretary of State, a registered medical practitioner selected by or on behalf of a prisoner who is a party to any legal proceedings must be afforded reasonable facilities for examining the prisoner in connection with the proceedings, and may do so out of hearing but in the sight of an officer

(5) A prisoner may correspond, in accordance with arrangements made by the Secretary of State for the confidential handling of correspondence, with a registered medical practitioner who has treated the prisoner for a life threatening condition, and such correspondence may not be opened, read or stopped unless the governor has reasonable cause to believe its contents do not relate to the treatment of that condition.]

Textual Amendments

Special illnesses and conditionsE+W

21.—(1) [F44A registered medical practitioner] [F45working within the prison] shall report to the governor on the case of any prisoner whose health is likely to be injuriously affected by continued imprisonment or any conditions of imprisonment. The governor shall send the report to the Secretary of State without delay, together with his own recommendations.

F46(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Notification of illness or deathE+W

22.—(1) If a prisoner dies, becomes seriously ill, sustains any severe injury or is removed to hospital on account of mental disorder, the governor shall, if he knows his or her address, at once inform the prisoner’s spouse or next of kin, and also any person who the prisoner may reasonably have asked should be informed.

(2) If a prisoner dies, the governor shall give notice immediately to the coroner having jurisdiction, to the [F47independent monitoring board] and to the Secretary of State.

Textual Amendments

PHYSICAL WELFARE AND WORKE+W

ClothingE+W

23.—(1) An unconvicted prisoner may wear clothing of his own if and in so far as it is suitable, tidy and clean, and shall be permitted to arrange for the supply to him from outside prison of sufficient clean clothing:

Provided that, subject to rule 40(3):

(a)

he may be required, if and for so long as there are reasonable grounds to believe that there is a serious risk of his attempting to escape, to wear items of clothing which are distinctive by virtue of being specially marked or coloured or both; and

(b)

he may be required, if and for so long as the Secretary of State is of the opinion that he would, if he escaped, be highly dangerous to the public or the police or the security of the State, to wear clothing provided under this rule.

(2) Subject to paragraph (1) above, the provisions of this rule shall apply to an unconvicted prisoner as to a convicted prisoner.

(3) A convicted prisoner shall be provided with clothing adequate for warmth and health in accordance with a scale approved by the Secretary of State.

(4) The clothing provided under this rule shall include suitable protective clothing for use at work, where this is needed.

(5) Subject to rule 40(3), a convicted prisoner shall wear clothing provided under this rule and no other, except on the directions of the Secretary of State or as a privilege under rule 8.

(6) A prisoner may be provided, where necessary, with suitable and adequate clothing on his release.

FoodE+W

24.—(1) Subject to any directions of the Secretary of State, no prisoner shall be allowed, except as authorised by [F48a health care professional] F49..., to have any food other than that ordinarily provided.

(2) The food provided shall be wholesome, nutritious, well prepared and served, reasonably varied and sufficient in quantity.

(3) F50... Any person deemed by the governor to be competent, shall from time to time inspect the food both before and after it is cooked and shall report any deficiency or defect to the governor.

(4) In this rule “food" includes drink.

Textual Amendments

F50Words in rule 24(3) omitted (3.1.2006) by virtue of The Prison (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2005 (S.I. 2005/3437), rule 1, Sch. 1 para. 5(b)

Alcohol and tobaccoE+W

25.—(1) No prisoner shall be allowed to have any intoxicating liquor F51....

[F52(2) No prisoner shall be allowed to smoke or to have any tobacco, except in accordance with any directions of the Secretary of State.]

Textual Amendments

F51Words in rule 25(1) omitted (3.1.2006) by virtue of The Prison (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2005 (S.I. 2005/3437), rule 1, Sch. 1 para. 6

Sleeping accommodationE+W

26.—(1) No room or cell shall be used as sleeping accommodation for a prisoner unless it has been certified in the manner required by section 14 of the Prison Act 1952 in the case of a cell used for the confinement of a prisoner.

(2) A certificate given under that section or this rule shall specify the maximum number of prisoners who may sleep or be confined at one time in the room or cell to which it relates, and the number so specified shall not be exceeded without the leave of the Secretary of State.

Beds and beddingE+W

27.  Each prisoner shall be provided with a separate bed and with separate bedding adequate for warmth and health.

HygieneE+W

28.—(1) Every prisoner shall be provided with toilet articles necessary for his health and cleanliness, which shall be replaced as necessary.

(2) Every prisoner shall be required to wash at proper times, have a hot bath or shower on reception and thereafter at least once a week.

(3) A prisoner’s hair shall not be cut without his consent.

Physical educationE+W

29.—(1) If circumstances reasonably permit, a prisoner aged 21 years or over shall be given the opportunity to participate in physical education for at least one hour a week.

(2) The following provisions shall apply to the extent circumstances reasonably permit to a prisoner who is under 21 years of age—

(a)provision shall be made for the physical education of such a prisoner within the normal working week, as well as evening and weekend physical recreation; the physical education activities will be such as foster personal responsibility and the prisoner’s interests and skills and encourage him to make good use of his leisure on release; and

(b)arrangements shall be made for each such prisoner who is a convicted prisoner to participate in physical education for two hours a week on average.

(3) In the case of a prisoner with a need for remedial physical activity, appropriate facilities will be provided.

F53(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Time in the open airE+W

30.  If the weather permits and subject to the need to maintain good order and discipline, a prisoner shall be given the opportunity to spend time in the open air at least once every day, for such period as may be reasonable in the circumstances.

WorkE+W

31.—(1) A convicted prisoner shall be required to do useful work for not more than 10 hours a day, and arrangements shall be made to allow prisoners to work, where possible, outside the cells and in association with one another.

[F54(2) A registered medical practitioner or registered nurse working within the prison may excuse a prisoner from work on medical grounds.]

(3) No prisoner shall be set to do work of a kind not authorised by the Secretary of State.

(4) No prisoner shall work in the service of another prisoner or an officer, or for the private benefit of any person, without the authority of the Secretary of State.

(5) An unconvicted prisoner shall be permitted, if he wishes, to work as if he were a convicted prisoner.

(6) Prisoners may be paid for their work at rates approved by the Secretary of State, either generally or in relation to particular cases.

Textual Amendments

[F55Prescription of certain matters in respect of prisoners’ earningsE+W

31A.—(1) The amount prescribed for the purpose of section 1(1)(b) of the Prisoners’ Earnings Act 1996 (“the 1996 Act”) is £20.

(2) The percentage prescribed for the purpose of section 1(2) of the 1996 Act is 40%.

(3) All amounts deducted or levied under section 1 of the 1996 Act shall be applied for the purpose referred to in section 2(1)(a) of the 1996 Act.

(4) Victim Support is prescribed as a voluntary organisation to which payments may be made under section 2(1)(a) of the 1996 Act.]

Textual Amendments

EDUCATION AND LIBRARYE+W

EducationE+W

32.—(1) Every prisoner able to profit from the education facilities provided at a prison shall be encouraged to do so.

(2) Educational classes shall [F56(or during a coronavirus period shall so far as reasonably practicable)] be arranged at every prison and, subject to any directions of the Secretary of State, reasonable facilities shall be afforded to prisoners who wish to do so to improve their education by training by distance learning, private study and recreational classes, in their spare time.

(3) Special attention shall be paid to the education and training of prisoners with special educational needs, and if necessary they shall be taught within the hours normally allotted to work.

(4) In the case of a prisoner of compulsory school age as defined in section 8 of the Education Act 1996 M7, arrangements shall [F57(or during a coronavirus period shall so far as reasonably practicable)] be made for his participation in education or training courses for at least 15 hours a week within the normal working week.

Textual Amendments

Marginal Citations

LibraryE+W

33.  A library shall be provided in every prison and, subject to any directions of the Secretary of State, every prisoner shall be allowed to have library books and to exchange them.

COMMUNICATIONSE+W

Communications generallyE+W

[F5834.—(1) Without prejudice to sections 6 and 19 of the Prison Act 1952 and except as provided by these Rules, a prisoner shall not be permitted to communicate with any person outside the prison, or such person with him, except with the leave of the Secretary of State or as a privilege under rule 8.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) above, and except as otherwise provided in these Rules, the Secretary of State may impose any restriction or condition, either generally or in a particular case, upon the communications to be permitted between a prisoner and other persons if he considers that the restriction or condition to be imposed—

(a)does not interfere with the convention rights of any person; or

(b)(i)is necessary on grounds specified in paragraph (3) below;

(ii)reliance on the grounds is compatible with the convention right to be interfered with; and

(iii)the restriction or condition is proportionate to what is sought to be achieved.

(3) The grounds referred to in paragraph (2) above are—

(a)the interests of national security;

(b)the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of crime;

(c)the interests of public safety;

(d)securing or maintaining prison security or good order and discipline in prison;

(e)the protection of health or morals;

(f)the protection of the reputation of others;

(g)maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary; or

(h)the protection of the rights and freedoms of any person.

(4) Subject to paragraph (2) above, the Secretary of State may require that any visit, or class of visits, shall be held in facilities which include special features restricting or preventing physical contact between a prisoner and a visitor.

(5) Every visit to a prisoner shall take place within the sight of an officer or employee of the prison authorised for the purposes of this rule by the governor (in this rule referred to as an “authorised employee”), unless the Secretary of State otherwise directs, and for the purposes of this paragraph a visit to a prisoner shall be taken to take place within the sight of an officer or authorised employee if it can be seen by an officer or authorised employee by means of an overt closed circuit television system.

(6) Subject to rule 38, every visit to a prisoner shall take place within the hearing of an officer or authorised employee, unless the Secretary of State otherwise directs.

(7) The Secretary of State may give directions, either generally or in relation to any visit or class of visits, concerning the day and times when prisoners may be visited.

(8) In this rule—

(a)references to communications include references to communications during visits;

(b)references to restrictions and conditions upon communications include references to restrictions and conditions in relation to the length, duration and frequency of communications; and

(c)references to convention rights are to the convention rights within the meaning of the Human Rights Act 1998.]

Textual Amendments

Personal letters and visitsE+W

35.—(1) Subject to paragraph (8), an unconvicted prisoner may send and receive as many letters and may receive as many visits as he wishes within such limits and subject to such conditions as the Secretary of State may direct, either generally or in a particular case.

(2) Subject to [F59paragraphs (2A) and (8)], a convicted prisoner shall be entitled—

(a)to send and to receive a letter on his reception into a prison and thereafter once a week; and

(b)to receive a visit twice in every period of four weeks, but only once in every such period if the Secretary of State so directs.

[F60(2A) A prisoner serving a sentence of imprisonment to which an intermittent custody order relates shall be entitled to receive a visit only where the governor considers that desirable having regard to the extent to which he has been unable to meet with his friends and family in the periods during which he has been temporarily released on licence.]

[F61(2B) During a coronavirus period, the Secretary of State may, either generally or in a particular case, and for such periods of time as the Secretary of State considers necessary, suspend any entitlement to a visit under paragraph (1), (2)(b) and (2A), if the Secretary of State considers that such a suspension is necessary as a result of the effects, or likely effects, of coronavirus on or in relation to prisoners or the prison and proportionate to what is sought to be achieved.]

(3) The governor may allow a prisoner an additional letter or visit as a privilege under rule 8 or where necessary for his welfare or that of his family.

(4) The governor may allow a prisoner entitled to a visit to send and to receive a letter instead.

(5) The governor may defer the right of a prisoner to a visit until the expiration of any period of cellular confinement.

(6) The [F62independent monitoring board] may allow a prisoner an additional letter or visit in special circumstances, and may direct that a visit may extend beyond the normal duration.

(7) The Secretary of State may allow additional letters and visits in relation to any prisoner or class of prisoners.

(8) A prisoner shall not be entitled under this rule to receive a visit from:

(a)any person, whether or not a relative or friend, during any period of time that person is the subject of a prohibition imposed under rule 73; or

(b)any other person, other than a relative or friend, except with the leave of the Secretary of State.

(9) Any letter or visit under the succeeding provisions of these Rules shall not be counted as a letter or visit for the purposes of this rule.

Textual Amendments

F59Words in rule 35(2) substituted (26.1.2004) by The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2003 (S.I. 2003/3301), rules 1, 4(a)

F62Words in rule 35(6) substituted (1.4.2008) by The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2008 (S.I. 2008/597), rules 1, 4(a)

[F63Interception of communicationsE+W

35A.—(1) The Secretary of State may give directions to any governor concerning the interception in a prison of any communication by any prisoner or class of prisoners if the Secretary of State considers that the directions are—

(a)necessary on grounds specified in paragraph (4) below; and

(b)proportionate to what is sought to be achieved.

(2) Subject to any directions given by the Secretary of State, the governor may make arrangements for any communication by a prisoner or class of prisoners to be intercepted in a prison by an officer or an employee of the prison authorised by the governor for the purposes of this rule (referred to in this rule as an “authorised employee”) if he considers that the arrangements are—

(a)necessary on grounds specified in paragraph (4) below; and

(b)proportionate to what is sought to be achieved.

[F64(2A) The governor may not make arrangements for interception of any communication between a prisoner and

(a)the prisoner’s legal adviser; or

(b)any body or organisation with which the Secretary of State has made arrangements for the confidential handling of correspondence,

unless the governor has reasonable cause to believe that the communication is being made with the intention of furthering a criminal purpose and unless authorised by [F65any one of the following: the chief executive officer of the National Offender Management Service; the director responsible for national operational services of that service; or the duty director of that service].]

(3) Any communication by a prisoner may, during the course of its transmission in a prison, be terminated by an officer or an authorised employee if he considers that to terminate the communication is—

(a)necessary on grounds specified in paragraph (4) below; and

(b)proportionate to what is sought to be achieved by the termination.

(4) The grounds referred to in paragraphs (1)(a), (2)(a) and (3)(a) above are—

(a)the interests of national security;

(b)the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of crime;

(c)the interests of public safety;

(d)securing or maintaining prison security or good order and discipline in prison;

(e)the protection of health or morals; or

(f)the protection of the rights and freedoms of any person.

(5) Any reference to the grounds specified in paragraph (4) above in relation to the interception of a communication by means of a telecommunications system in a prison, or the disclosure or retention of intercepted material from such a communication, shall be taken to be a reference to those grounds with the omission of sub-paragraph (f).

(6) For the purposes of this rule “interception”—

(a)in relation to a communication by means of a telecommunications system, means any action taken in relation to the system or its operation so as to make some or all of the contents of the communications available, while being transmitted, to a person other than the sender or intended recipient of the communication; and the contents of a communication are to be taken to be made available to a person while being transmitted where the contents of the communication, while being transmitted, are diverted or recorded so as to be available to a person subsequently; and

(b)in relation to any written or drawn communication, includes opening, reading, examining and copying the communication.

Textual Amendments

Permanent log of communicationsE+W

35B.—(1) The governor may arrange for a permanent log to be kept of all communications by or to a prisoner.

(2) The log referred to in paragraph (1) above may include, in relation to a communication by means of a telecommunications system in a prison, a record of the destination, duration and cost of the communication and, in relation to any written or drawn communication, a record of the sender and addressee of the communication.

Textual Amendments

Disclosure of materialE+W

35C.  The governor may not disclose to any person who is not an officer of a prison or of the Secretary of State or an employee of the prison authorised by the governor for the purposes of this rule any intercepted material, information retained pursuant to rule 35B or material obtained by means of an overt closed circuit television system used during a visit unless—

(a)he considers that such disclosure is—

(i)necessary on grounds specified in rule 35A(4); and

(ii)proportionate to what is sought to be achieved by the disclosure; or

(b)(i)in the case of intercepted material or material obtained by means of an overt closed circuit television system used during a visit, all parties to the communication or visit consent to the disclosure; or

(ii)in the case of information retained pursuant to rule 35B, the prisoner to whose communication the information relates, consents to the disclosure.

Textual Amendments

Retention of materialE+W

35D.—(1) The governor shall not retain any intercepted material or material obtained by means of an overt closed circuit television system used during a visit for a period longer than 3 months beginning with the day on which the material was intercepted or obtained unless he is satisfied that continued retention of it is—

(a)necessary on grounds specified in rule 35A(4); and

(b)proportionate to what is sought to be achieved by the continued retention.

(2) Where such material is retained for longer than 3 months pursuant to paragraph (1) above the governor shall review its continued retention at periodic intervals until such time as it is no longer held by the governor.

(3) The first review referred to in paragraph (2) above shall take place not more than 3 months after the decision to retain the material taken pursuant to paragraph (1) above, and subsequent reviews shall take place not more than 3 months apart thereafter.

(4) If the governor, on a review conducted pursuant to paragraph (2) above or at any other time, is not satisfied that the continued retention of the material satisfies the requirements set out in paragraph (1) above, he shall arrange for the material to be destroyed.]

Textual Amendments

Police interviewsE+W

36.  A police officer may, on production of an order issued by or on behalf of a chief officer of police, interview any prisoner willing to see him.

Securing releaseE+W

37.  A person detained in prison in default of finding a surety, or of payment of a sum of money, may communicate with and be visited at any reasonable time on a weekday by any relative or friend to arrange for a surety or payment in order to secure his release from prison.

[F66Visits from] legal advisersE+W

38.—(1) [F67Where] the legal adviser of a prisoner in any legal proceedings, civil or criminal, to which the prisoner is a party [F67visits the prisoner, the legal adviser] shall be afforded reasonable facilities for interviewing him in connection with those proceedings, and may do so out of hearing but in the sight of an officer.

(2) [F68On such a visit,] a prisoner’s legal adviser may, subject to any directions given by the Secretary of State, interview the prisoner in connection with any other legal business out of hearing but in the sight of an officer.

Textual Amendments

[F69Delivery and receipt of legally privileged material]E+W

39.—[F70(1) A prisoner may deliver to, or receive from, the prisoner’s legal adviser and any court, either by post or during a legal visit under rule 38, any legally privileged material and such material may only be opened, read or stopped by the governor in accordance with the provisions of this rule.]

(2) [F71Material] to which this rule applies may be opened if the governor has reasonable cause to believe that it contains an illicit enclosure and any such enclosures shall be dealt with in accordance with the other provision of these Rules.

(3) [F72Material] to which this rule applies may be opened, read and stopped if the governor has reasonable cause to believe its contents endanger prison security or the safety of others or are otherwise of a criminal nature.

(4) A prisoner shall be given the opportunity to be present when any [F73material] to which this rule applies is opened and shall be informed if it or any enclosure is to be read or stopped.

(5) A prisoner shall on request be provided with any writing materials necessary for the purposes of paragraph (1).

(6) In this rule, “court" includes the European Commission of Human Rights, the European Court of Human Rights and the European Court of Justice; and “illicit enclosure" includes any article possession of which has not been authorised in accordance with the other provisions of these Rules and any [F74material] to or from a person other than the prisoner concerned, his legal adviser or a court.

Textual Amendments

REMOVAL, SEARCH, RECORD AND PROPERTYE+W

Custody outside prisonE+W

40.—(1) A person being taken to or from a prison in custody shall be exposed as little as possible to public observation, and proper care shall be taken to protect him from curiosity and insult.

(2) A prisoner required to be taken in custody anywhere outside a prison shall be kept in the custody of an officer appointed or a police officer.

(3) A prisoner required to be taken in custody to any court shall, when he appears before the court, wear his own clothing or ordinary civilian clothing provided by the governor.

SearchE+W

41.—(1) Every prisoner shall be searched when taken into custody by an officer, on his reception into a prison and subsequently as the governor thinks necessary or as the Secretary of State may direct.

(2) A prisoner shall be searched in as seemly a manner as is consistent with discovering anything concealed.

(3) No prisoner shall be stripped and searched in the sight of another prisoner, or in the sight of a person of the opposite sex.

Record and photographE+W

42.—(1) A personal record of each prisoner shall be prepared and maintained in such manner as the Secretary of State may direct.

(2) Every prisoner may be photographed on reception and subsequently, but no copy of the photograph [F75or any other personal record] shall be given to any person not authorised to receive it.

[F76(2A) In this rule “personal record” may include personal information and biometric records (such as fingerprints or other physical measurements).]

Textual Amendments

Prisoners’ propertyE+W

43.—(1) Subject to any directions of the Secretary of State, an unconvicted prisoner may have supplied to him at his expense and retain for his own use books, newspapers, writing materials and other means of occupation, except any that appears objectionable to the [F77independent monitoring board] or, pending consideration by them, to the governor.

(2) Anything, other than cash, which a prisoner has at a prison and which he is not allowed to retain for his own use shall be taken into the governor’s custody. An inventory of a prisoner’s property shall be kept, and he shall be required to sign it, after having a proper opportunity to see that it is correct.

[F78(2A) Where a prisoner is serving a sentence of imprisonment to which an intermittent custody order relates, an inventory as referred to in paragraph (2) shall only be kept where the value of that property is estimated by the governor to be in excess of £100.]

(3) Any cash which a prisoner has at a prison shall be paid into an account under the control of the governor and the prisoner shall be credited with the amount in the books of the prison.

(4) Any article belonging to a prisoner which remains unclaimed for a period of more than [F79one year] after he leaves prison, or dies, may be sold or otherwise disposed of; and the net proceeds of any sale shall be paid to the National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders, for its general purposes.

(5) The governor may confiscate any unauthorised article found in the possession of a prisoner after his reception into prison, or concealed or deposited anywhere within a prison.

Textual Amendments

F77Words in rule 43(1) substituted (1.4.2008) by The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2008 (S.I. 2008/597), rule 1, rule 4(a)

Money and articles received by postE+W

44.—(1) Any money or other article (other than a letter or other communication) sent to a convicted prisoner [F80by post] shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of this rule, and the prisoner shall be informed of the manner in which it is dealt with.

(2) Any cash shall, at the discretion of the governor, be—

(a)dealt with in accordance with rule 43(3);

(b)returned to the sender; or

(c)in a case where the sender’s name and address are not known, paid to the National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders, for its general purposes:

Provided that in relation to a prisoner committed to prison in default of payment of any sum of money, the prisoner shall be informed of the receipt of the cash and, unless he objects to its being so applied, it shall be applied in or towards the satisfaction of the amount due from him.

(3) Any security for money shall, at the discretion of the governor, be—

(a)delivered to the prisoner or placed with his property at the prison;

(b)returned to the sender; or

(c)encashed and the cash dealt with in accordance with paragraph (2).

(4) Any other article to which this rule applies shall, at the discretion of the governor, be—

(a)delivered to the prisoner or placed with his property at the prison;

(b)returned to the sender; or

(c)in a case where the sender’s name and address are not known or the article is of such a nature that it would be unreasonable to return it, sold or otherwise disposed of, and the net proceeds of any sale applied in accordance with paragraph (2).

Textual Amendments

SPECIAL CONTROL, SUPERVISION AND RESTRAINT AND DRUG TESTINGE+W

Removal from associationE+W

45.—(1) Where it appears desirable, for the maintenance of good order or discipline or in his own interests, that a prisoner should not associate with other prisoners, either generally or for particular purposes, the governor may arrange for the prisoner’s removal from association [F81for up to 72 hours].

[F82(2) Removal for more than 72 hours may be authorised by the governor in writing who may authorise a further period of removal of up to 14 days.

(2A) Such authority may be renewed for subsequent periods of up to 14 days.

(2B) But the governor must obtain leave from the Secretary of State in writing to authorise removal under paragraph (2A) where the period in total amounts to more than 42 days starting with the date the prisoner was removed under paragraph (1).

( 2C) The Secretary of State may only grant leave for a maximum period of 42 days, but such leave may be renewed for subsequent periods of up to 42 days by the Secretary of State.]

[F83(3) The governor may arrange at his discretion for a prisoner removed under this rule to resume association with other prisoners at any timeF84....]

[F85(3A) In giving authority under paragraphs (2) and (2A) and in exercising the discretion under paragraph (3), the governor must fully consider any recommendation that the prisoner resumes association on medical grounds made by a registered medical practitioner or registered nurse working within the prison.]

(4) This rule shall not apply to a prisoner the subject of a direction given under rule 46(1).

Textual Amendments

F82Rule 45(2)-(2C) substituted for rule 45(2) (4.9.2015 for specified purposes, 16.10.2015 in so far as not already in force) by The Prison and Young Offender Institution (Amendment) Rules 2015 (S.I. 2015/1638), rules 1(2)(3), 2(3)

Close supervision centresE+W

46.—(1) Where it appears desirable, for the maintenance of good order or discipline or to ensure the safety of officers, prisoners or any other person, that a prisoner should not associate with other prisoners, either generally or for particular purposes, the Secretary of State may direct the prisoner’s removal from association accordingly and his placement in a close supervision centre of a prison.

(2) A direction given under paragraph (1) shall be for a period not exceeding one month [F86, or, during a coronavirus period, three months], but may be renewed from time to time for a like period [F87, and shall continue to apply notwithstanding any transfer of a prisoner from one prison to another].

(3) The Secretary of State may direct that such a prisoner as aforesaid shall resume association with other prisoners, either within a close supervision centre or elsewhere.

(4) In exercising any discretion under this rule, the Secretary of State shall take account of any relevant medical considerations which are known to him.

[F88(5) A close supervision centre is any cell or other part of a prison designated by the Secretary of State for holding prisoners who are subject to a direction given under paragraph (1).]

Textual Amendments

[F89Separation centresE+W

46A.—(1) Where it appears desirable, on one or more of the grounds specified in paragraph (2), the Secretary of State may direct that a prisoner be placed in a separation centre within a prison.

(2) The grounds referred to in paragraph (1) are—

(a)the interests of national security;

(b)to prevent the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism, a terrorism offence, or an offence with a terrorist connection, whether in a prison or otherwise;

(c)to prevent the dissemination of views or beliefs that might encourage or induce others to commit any such act or offence, whether in a prison or otherwise, or to protect or safeguard others from such views or beliefs, or

(d)to prevent any political, religious, racial or other views or beliefs being used to undermine good order and discipline in a prison.

(3) A direction given under paragraph (1) must be reviewed every three months.

(4) The Secretary of State may, at any time, revoke a direction given under paragraph (1) and direct that the prisoner be removed from the separation centre.

(5) In exercising any discretion under this rule, the Secretary of State must take account of any known relevant medical considerations.

(6) In this rule—

“act of terrorism” includes anything constituting an action taken for the purposes of terrorism within the meaning of section 1 of the Terrorism Act 2000;

“offence with a terrorist connection” means an offence listed in Schedule 2 of the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008, which also satisfies the definition in section 93 of that Act;

“separation centre” means any part of a prison for the time being used for holding prisoners who are subject to a direction under paragraph (1);

“terrorism offence” means an offence listed in section 41(1) of the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008.]

Textual Amendments

Use of forceE+W

47.—(1) An officer in dealing with a prisoner shall not use force unnecessarily and, when the application of force to a prisoner is necessary, no more force than is necessary shall be used.

(2) No officer shall act deliberately in a manner calculated to provoke a prisoner.

Temporary confinementE+W

48.—(1) The governor may order a refractory or violent prisoner to be confined temporarily in a special cell, but a prisoner shall not be so confined as a punishment, or after he has ceased to be refractory or violent.

(2) A prisoner shall not be confined in a special cell for longer than 24 hours without a direction in writing given F90... by an officer of the Secretary of State F90.... Such a direction shall state the grounds for the confinement and the time during which it may continue.

Textual Amendments

F90Words in rule 48(2) omitted (3.1.2006) by virtue of The Prison (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2005 (S.I. 2005/3437), rule 1, Sch. 1 para. 10

RestraintsE+W

49.—(1) The governor may order a prisoner to be put under restraint where this is necessary to prevent the prisoner from injuring himself or others, damaging property or creating a disturbance.

(2) Notice of such an order shall be given without delay to a member of the [F91independent monitoring board], and [F92to a registered medical practitioner or to a registered nurse] [F93working within the prison].

(3) On receipt of the notice, [F94the registered medical practitioner or registered nurse] referred to in paragraph (2), shall inform the governor whether there are any medical reasons why the prisoner should not be put under restraint. The governor shall give effect to any recommendation which may be made under this paragraph.

(4) A prisoner shall not be kept under restraint longer than necessary, nor shall he be so kept for longer than 24 hours without a direction in writing given by F95... an officer of the Secretary of State (not being an officer of a prison). Such a direction shall state the grounds for the restraint and the time during which it may continue.

(5) Particulars of every case of restraint under the foregoing provisions of this rule shall be forthwith recorded.

(6) Except as provided by this rule no prisoner shall be put under restraint otherwise than for safe custody during removal, or on medical grounds by direction [F96of a registered medical practitioner or of a registered nurse] [F97working within the prison]. No prisoner shall be put under restraint as a punishment.

(7) Any means of restraint shall be of a pattern authorised by the Secretary of State, and shall be used in such manner and under such conditions as the Secretary of State may direct.

Textual Amendments

F91Words in rule 49(2) substituted (1.4.2008) by The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2008 (S.I. 2008/597), rules 1, 4(a)

Compulsory testing for controlled drugs [F98, pharmacy medicines and other substances etc.] F99... E+W

50.—(1) This rule applies where an officer, acting under the powers conferred by section 16A of the Prison Act 1952 M8 (power to test prisoners for drugs), requires a prisoner to provide a sample for the purpose of ascertaining whether he has any controlled drug [F100pharmacy medicine, prescription only medicine, psychoactive substance or specified substance] F101... in his body.

(2) In this rule “sample" means a sample of urine or any other description of sample specified in the authorisation by the governor for the purposes of section 16A of the Prison Act 1952.

(3) When requiring a prisoner to provide a sample, an officer shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, inform the prisoner:

(a)that he is being required to provide a sample in accordance with section 16A of the Prison Act 1952; and

(b)that a refusal to provide a sample may lead to disciplinary proceedings being brought against him.

(4) An officer shall require a prisoner to provide a fresh sample, free from any adulteration.

(5) An officer requiring a sample shall make such arrangements and give the prisoner such instructions for its provision as may be reasonably necessary in order to prevent or detect its adulteration or falsification.

(6) A prisoner who is required to provide a sample may be kept apart from other prisoners for a period not exceeding one hour to enable arrangements to be made for the provision of the sample.

(7) A prisoner who is unable to provide a sample of urine when required to do so may be kept apart from other prisoners until he has provided the required sample, save that a prisoner may not be kept apart under this paragraph for a period of more than 5 hours.

(8) A prisoner required to provide a sample of urine shall be afforded such degree of privacy for the purposes of providing the sample as may be compatible with the need to prevent or detect any adulteration or falsification of the sample; in particular a prisoner shall not be required to provide such a sample in the sight of a person of the opposite sex.

Textual Amendments

F98Words in rule 50 title inserted (8.12.2021 immediately after 2021 c. 18 comes into force) by The Prison and Young Offender Institution (Amendment) Rules 2021 (S.I. 2021/1279), rules 1(3), 2(3)(a); S.I. 2021/1280, reg. 2

F100Words in rule 50(1) inserted (8.12.2021 immediately after 2021 c. 18 comes into force) by The Prison and Young Offender Institution (Amendment) Rules 2021 (S.I. 2021/1279), rules 1(3), 2(3)(b); S.I. 2021/1280, reg. 2

Marginal Citations

M81952 c. 52; section 16A was inserted by section 15 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (c. 33).

[F102Observation of prisoners by means of an overt closed circuit television systemE+W

50A.—(1) Without prejudice to his other powers to supervise the prison, prisoners and other persons in the prison, whether by use of an overt closed circuit television system or otherwise, the governor may make arrangements for any prisoner to be placed under constant observation by means of an overt closed circuit television system while the prisoner is in a cell or other place in the prison if he considers that—

(a)such supervision is necessary for—

(i)the health and safety of the prisoner or any other person;

(ii)the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of crime; or

(iii)securing or maintaining prison security or good order and discipline in the prison; and

(b)it is proportionate to what is sought to be achieved.

(2) If an overt closed circuit television system is used for the purposes of this rule, the provisions of rules 35C and 35D shall apply to any material obtained.]

Textual Amendments

[F103Compulsory testing for alcoholE+W

50B.—(1) This rule applies where an officer, acting under an authorisation in force under section 16B of the Prison Act 1952 (power to test prisoners for alcohol), requires a prisoner to provide a sample for the purpose of ascertaining whether he has alcohol in his body.

(2) When requiring a prisoner to provide a sample an officer shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, inform the prisoner—

(a)that he is being required to provide a sample in accordance with section 16B of the Prison Act 1952; and

(b)that a refusal to provide a sample may lead to disciplinary proceedings being brought against him.

(3) An officer requiring a sample shall make such arrangements and give the prisoner such instructions for its provision as may be reasonably necessary in order to prevent or detect its adulteration or falsification.

(4) Subject to paragraph (5) a prisoner who is required to provide a sample may be kept apart from other prisoners for a period not exceeding one hour to enable arrangements to be made for the provision of the sample.

(5) A prisoner who is unable to provide a sample of urine when required to do so may be kept apart from other prisoners until he has provided the required sample, except that a prisoner may not be kept apart under this paragraph for a period of more than 5 hours.

(6) A prisoner required to provide a sample of urine shall be afforded such degree of privacy for the purposes of providing the sample as may be compatible with the need to prevent or detect any adulteration or falsification of the sample; in particular a prisoner shall not be required to provide such a sample in the sight of a person of the opposite sex.]

Textual Amendments

OFFENCES AGAINST DISCIPLINEE+W

Offences against disciplineE+W

51.  A prisoner is guilty of an offence against discipline if he—

(1) commits any assault;

[F104(1A) commits any assault aggravated by a protected characteristic;]

[F105(1B) commits any sexual assault;

(1C) exposes himself, or commits any other indecent or obscene act;

(1D) sexually harasses any person;]

(2) detains any person against his will;

(3) denies access to any part of the prison to any officer or any person (other than a prisoner) who is at the prison for the purpose of working there;

(4) fights with any person;

(5) intentionally endangers the health or personal safety of others or, by his conduct, is reckless whether such health or personal safety is endangered;

(6) intentionally obstructs an officer in the execution of his duty, or any person (other than a prisoner) who is at the prison for the purpose of working there, in the performance of his work;

(7) escapes or absconds from prison or from legal custody;

(8) fails to comply with any condition upon which he is temporarily released under rule 9 F106...;

[F107(9) is found with any substance in his urine which demonstrates that a controlled drug [F108, pharmacy medicine, prescription only medicine, psychoactive substance or specified substance] F109... has, whether in prison or while on temporary release under rule 9 F110..., been administered to him by himself or by another person (but subject to rule 52);]

[F111(10) is intoxicated as a consequence of consuming any alcoholic beverage (but subject to rule 52A);]

[F112(11) consumes any alcoholic beverage whether or not provided to him by another person (but subject to rule 52A);]

(12) has in his possession—

(a)any unauthorised article, or

(b)a greater quantity of any article than he is authorised to have;

(13) sells or delivers to any person any unauthorised article;

(14) sells or, without permission, delivers to any person any article which he is allowed to have only for his own use;

(15) takes improperly any article belonging to another person or to a prison;

(16) intentionally or recklessly sets fire to any part of a prison or any other property, whether or not his own;

(17) destroys or damages any part of a prison or any other property, other than his own;

[F113(17A) causes damage to, or destruction of, any part of a prison or any other property, other than his own, aggravated by a protected characteristic;]

(18) absents himself from any place he is required to be or is present at any place where he is not authorised to be;

(19) is disrespectful to any officer, or any person (other than a prisoner) who is at the prison for the purpose of working there, or any person visiting a prison;

(20) uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour;

[F114(20A) uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, which demonstrate, or are motivated (wholly or partly) by, hostility to persons based on them sharing a protected characteristic;]

(21) intentionally fails to work properly or, being required to work, refuses to do so;

(22) disobeys any lawful order;

(23) disobeys or fails to comply with any rule or regulation applying to him;

[F115(23A) fails to comply with any payback punishment;]

(24) receives any controlled drug [F116, pharmacy medicine, prescription only medicine, psychoactive substance or specified substance] F117..., or, without the consent of an officer, any other article, during the course of a visit (not being an interview such as is mentioned in rule 38);

[F118(24A) displays, attaches or draws on any part of a prison, or on any other property, threatening, abusive or insulting words, drawings, symbols or other material, which demonstrate, or are motivated (wholly or partly) by, hostility to persons based on them sharing a protected characteristic;]

(25) (a) attempts to commit,

(b)incites another prisoner to commit, or

(c)assists another prisoner to commit or to attempt to commit, any of the foregoing offences.

Textual Amendments

F108Words in rule 51(9) inserted (8.12.2021 immediately after 2021 c. 18 comes into force) by The Prison and Young Offender Institution (Amendment) Rules 2021 (S.I. 2021/1279), rules 1(3), 2(4); S.I. 2021/1280, reg. 2

F116Words in rule 51(24) inserted (8.12.2021 immediately after 2021 c. 18 comes into force) by The Prison and Young Offender Institution (Amendment) Rules 2021 (S.I. 2021/1279), rules 1(3), 2(5); S.I. 2021/1280, reg. 2

[F119Interpretation of rule 51E+W

[F12051A.—(2) For the purposes of rule 51—

(a)reference to a protected characteristic means a characteristic listed in section 4 of the Equality Act 2010;

(b)a prisoner commits a sexual assault if the criteria in section 3(1) of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 are fulfilled;

(c)Sections 3(2), 75 and 76 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 apply to an offence under rule 51(1B);

(d)a prisoner commits exposure if the criteria in section 66(1) of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 are fulfilled;

(e)a prisoner sexually harasses a person if the criteria in section 26(2) of the Equality Act 2010 are fulfilled;

(f)an offence is aggravated by a protected characteristic if—

(i)at the time of committing the offence, or immediately before or after doing so, the offender demonstrates towards the victim of the offence hostility based on the victim having that protected characteristic, or

(ii)the offence is motivated (wholly or partly) by hostility to persons based on them sharing that protected characteristic;

(g)references to particular protected characteristics, to a person who has a particular protected characteristic, and to persons sharing a particular protected characteristic, are to be interpreted in accordance with sections 5 to 12 of the Equality Act 2010;

(h)reference to a person having a protected characteristic includes a person being presumed to have, or associating with those who have, a protected characteristic;

(i)reference to persons sharing a protected characteristic includes persons being presumed to share, or associating with those who share, a protected characteristic.]]

Textual Amendments

Defences to rule 51(9)E+W

52.  It shall be a defence for a prisoner charged with an offence under rule 51(9) to show that [F121the controlled drug, pharmacy medicine, prescription only medicine, psychoactive substance or specified substance]:

(a)F122... F123... had been, prior to its administration, lawfully in his possession for his use or was administered to him in the course of a lawful supply of the drug [F124, medicine or substance] to him by another person;

(b)F125... F126... was administered by or to him in circumstances in which he did not know and had no reason to suspect that such a drug [F127, medicine or substance] was being administered; or

(c)F128... F129... was administered by or to him under duress or to him without his consent in circumstances where it was not reasonable for him to have resisted.

Textual Amendments

F121Words in rule 52 inserted (8.12.2021 immediately after 2021 c. 18 comes into force) by The Prison and Young Offender Institution (Amendment) Rules 2021 (S.I. 2021/1279), rules 1(3), 2(6)(a); S.I. 2021/1280, reg. 2

F122Words in rule 52(a) omitted (8.12.2021 immediately after 2021 c. 18 comes into force) by virtue of The Prison and Young Offender Institution (Amendment) Rules 2021 (S.I. 2021/1279), rules 1(3), 2(6)(b)(i); S.I. 2021/1280, reg. 2

F125Words in rule 52(b) omitted (8.12.2021 immediately after 2021 c. 18 comes into force) by virtue of The Prison and Young Offender Institution (Amendment) Rules 2021 (S.I. 2021/1279), rules 1(3), 2(6)(c)(i); S.I. 2021/1280, reg. 2

F128Words in rule 52(c) omitted (8.12.2021 immediately after 2021 c. 18 comes into force) by virtue of The Prison and Young Offender Institution (Amendment) Rules 2021 (S.I. 2021/1279), rules 1(3), 2(6)(d); S.I. 2021/1280, reg. 2

[F130Defences to rule 51(10) and rule 51(11)E+W

52A.  It shall be a defence for a prisoner charged with an offence under rule 51(10) or (11) to show that—

(a)the alcohol was consumed by him in circumstances in which he did not know and had no reason to suspect that he was consuming alcohol;

(b)the alcohol was consumed by him without his consent in circumstances where it was not reasonable for him to have resisted; or

F131(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

Textual Amendments

Disciplinary chargesE+W

53.—(1) Where a prisoner is to be charged with an offence against discipline, the charge shall be laid as soon as possible and, save in exceptional circumstances, within 48 hours of the discovery of the offence.

(2) Every charge shall be inquired into by the governor [F132or, as the case may be, the adjudicator].

[F133(3) Every charge shall be first inquired into not later, save in exceptional circumstances or in accordance with rule 55A(5) [F134or 53B(3)], than:

(a)where it is inquired into by the governor, the next day, not being a Sunday or public holiday, after it is laid;

(b)where it is referred to the adjudicator under rule 53A(2) [F135or 60(3)(b)], 28 days after it is so referred.]

(4) A prisoner who is to be charged with an offence against discipline may be kept apart from other prisoners pending the governor’s first inquiry [F136or determination under rule 53A].

Textual Amendments

[F137Determination of mode of inquiryE+W

53A.—(1) Before inquiring into a charge the governor must assess whether—

(a)the charge is so serious that additional days could be awarded for the offence if the prisoner is found guilty, or

(b)it is necessary or expedient for some other reason for the charge to be inquired into by the adjudicator.

(2) Where the governor determines that—

(a)sub-paragraph (a) or (b) of paragraph (1) applies, the governor must—

(i)refer the charge to the adjudicator immediately;

(ii)refer any other charge arising out of the same incident (“an associated charge”) to the adjudicator, and

(iii)inform the prisoner who has been charged that the charge has been referred to the adjudicator;

(b)neither sub-paragraph (a) nor sub-paragraph (b) of paragraph (1) applies, the governor must inquire into the charge.

(3) If—

(a)at any time during an inquiry into a charge by the governor, or

(b)following such an inquiry, after the governor has found the prisoner guilty of an offence but before the governor has imposed a punishment for that offence,

it appears to the governor either that the charge is so serious that additional days could be awarded for the offence or that it is necessary or expedient for some other reason for the charge to be inquired into by the adjudicator, the governor must act in accordance with paragraph (2)(a)(i) to (iii).

(4) Unless there are exceptional circumstances, the adjudicator must inquire into any charge referred in accordance with paragraph (3) no later than 28 days after the referral.

(5) Following a referral under paragraph (2), before inquiring into the charge the adjudicator must consider whether—

(a)the charge is so serious that additional days could be awarded for the offence if the prisoner is found guilty, or

(b)it is necessary or expedient for some other reason for the charge to be inquired into by the adjudicator.

(6) Where the adjudicator considers that neither sub-paragraph (a) nor sub-paragraph (b) of paragraph (5) applies, the adjudicator must—

(a)refer the charge and any associated charge back to the governor for the governor to inquire into, and

(b)inform the prisoner who has been charged that the charge has been referred back to the governor for inquiry.

(7) Where the adjudicator considers that alternative action should be taken by the governor, the adjudicator must—

(a)refer the charge and any associated charge back to the governor for review, and

(b)inform the prisoner who has been charged that the charge has been referred back to the governor for review.

(8) If neither paragraph (6) nor (7) applies the adjudicator must inquire into the charge.

(9) A charge inquired into by the governor following referral under paragraph (6) may not be referred back to the adjudicator.

(10) If—

(a)at any time during an inquiry into a charge by the adjudicator, or

(b)following such an inquiry, after the adjudicator has found the prisoner guilty of an offence, but before the adjudicator has imposed a punishment for that offence,

it appears to the adjudicator that alternative action should be taken; the adjudicator must refer the charge in accordance with paragraph (7).

(11) Where the adjudicator has referred a charge to the governor in accordance with paragraph (7), the governor must review the charge and may—

(a)take such action as the governor considers appropriate;

(b)refer the charge back to the adjudicator.

(12) Where the governor refers a charge back to the adjudicator under paragraph (11)(b)—

(a)the governor must inform the prisoner that the matter has been referred back to the adjudicator;

(b)the adjudicator may not refer the charge back to the governor, and

(c)the adjudicator must either inquire into the charge, or if the prisoner has already been found guilty, impose a punishment.]

Textual Amendments

[F138Determination of mode of inquiry in a coronavirus periodE+W

53B.—(1) This rule applies during a coronavirus period.

(2) Where a charge has been referred to an adjudicator under rule 53A or rule 60(3)(b) and the Senior District Judge (Chief Magistrate) considers that because of the effects of coronavirus it is not reasonably practicable for the charge to be—

(a)first inquired into by an adjudicator in accordance with rule 53(3)(b) or rule 53A(3); or

(b)continued to be inquired into by an adjudicator,

the Senior District Judge (Chief Magistrate) may refer the charge back to the governor as soon as possible for the governor to inquire into it.

(3) A charge referred back to the governor under paragraph (2) shall be first inquired into by the governor not later, save in exceptional circumstances, than 14 days after the Senior District Judge (Chief Magistrate) referred the charge back.

(4) A charge inquired into by the governor under paragraph (2) is not to be treated as one being inquired into by an adjudicator, and accordingly the governor cannot impose a punishment under rule 55A (adjudicator’s punishments).

(5) This rule applies to a prisoner who has been charged with having committed an offence against discipline and referred to an adjudicator under rule 53A or 60(3)(b) before the date on which the rule came into force in the same way as it applies to a prisoner who has been charged with having committed an offence against discipline on or after that date.]

Textual Amendments

Rights of prisoners chargedE+W

54.—(1) Where a prisoner is charged with an offence against discipline, he shall be informed of the charge as soon as possible and, in any case, before the time when it is inquired into by the governor [F139or, as the case may be, the adjudicator].

(2) At an inquiry into a charge against a prisoner he shall be given a full opportunity of hearing what is alleged against him and of presenting his own case.

[F140(3) At an inquiry into a charge which has been referred to the adjudicator, the prisoner who has been charged shall be given the opportunity to be legally represented.]

[F141(4) The right to legal representation is rescinded if the charge is referred back to the governor by the adjudicator and inquired into by the governor.]

Textual Amendments

Governor’s punishmentsE+W

55.—(1) If he finds a prisoner guilty of an offence against discipline the governor may, subject to paragraph (2) and to rule 57, impose one or more of the following punishments:

(a)caution;

(b)forfeiture for a period not exceeding 42 days of any of the privileges under rule 8;

(c)exclusion from associated work for a period not exceeding 21 days;

(d)stoppage of or deduction from earnings for a period not exceeding 84 days F142...;

(e)cellular confinement for a period not exceeding [F14321 days];

F144(f). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(g)in the case of a prisoner otherwise entitled to them, forfeiture for any period of the right, under rule 43(1), to have the articles there mentioned;

[F145(h)removal from his wing or living unit for a period of 28 days];

[F146(i)payback punishment, unless the prisoner is an unconvicted prisoner.]

(2) F147... A caution shall not be combined with any other punishment for the same charge.

(3) If a prisoner is found guilty of more than one charge arising out of an incident, punishments under this rule may be ordered to run consecutively but [F148in the case of a punishment of cellular confinement, the total period shall not exceed 21 days].

(4) In imposing a punishment under this rule, the governor shall take into account any guidelines that the Secretary of State may from time to time issue as to the level of punishment that should normally be imposed for a particular offence against discipline.

Textual Amendments

F142Words in rule 55(1)(d) omitted (15.8.2002) by virtue of The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2002 (S.I. 2002/2116), rule 1, Sch. para. 5(a)

F143Words in rule 55(1)(e) substituted (15.8.2002) by The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2002 (S.I. 2002/2116), rule 1, Sch. para. 5(b)

F144Rule 55(1)(f) omitted (15.8.2002) by virtue of The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2002 (S.I. 2002/2116), rule 1, Sch. para. 5(c)

F147Words in rule 55(2) omitted (15.8.2002) by virtue of The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2002 (S.I. 2002/2116), rule 1, Sch. para. 5(e)

F148Words in rule 55(3) substituted (15.8.2002) by The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2002 (S.I. 2002/2116), rule 1, Sch. para. 5(f)

[F149Adjudicator’s punishmentsE+W

55A.—(1) If he finds a prisoner guilty of an offence against discipline the adjudicator may, subject to paragraph (2) and to rule 57, impose one or more of the following punishments:

(a)[F150the punishments mentioned in rule 55(1)(a) to 55(1)(h)];

(b)in the case of a F151... [F152fixed-term prisoner], an award of additional days not exceeding 42 days.

(2) A caution shall not be combined with any other punishment for the same charge.

(3) If a prisoner is found guilty of more than one charge arising out of an incident, punishments under this rule may be ordered to run consecutively but, in the case of an award of additional days, the total period added shall not exceed 42 days and, in the case of a punishment of cellular confinement, the total period shall not exceed 21 days.

(4) This rule applies to a prisoner who has been charged with having committed an offence against discipline before the date on which the rule came into force, in the same way as it applies to a prisoner who has been charged with having committed an offence against discipline on or after that date, provided the charge is referred to the adjudicator no later than 60 days after that date.

(5) Rule 53(3) shall not apply to a charge where, by virtue of paragraph (4), this rule applies to the prisoner who has been charged.]

Textual Amendments

F151Words in rule 55A(1)(b) omitted (13.8.2014 at 5.00 p.m.) by virtue of The Prison and Young Offender Institution (Amendment) Rules 2014 (S.I. 2014/2169), rules 1, 2(5)

[F153Requirement to pay for damage to prison propertyE+W

55AB.—(1) This rule applies where a prisoner is found guilty of an offence under rule 51(17) or 51(17A) in respect of destroying or damaging any part of a prison or any other property belonging to a prison (“the relevant disciplinary offence”).

(2) The governor or, as the case may be, the adjudicator [F154may] require the prisoner to pay [F155towards] the cost of making good the damage from, or replacing any property destroyed as a result of, the commission of the relevant disciplinary offence.

(3) A requirement imposed under paragraph (2) is referred to in this rule and in rules 55B, 61 and 61A as a “compensation requirement”.

(4) The amount required to be paid under a compensation requirement must not exceed the cost of making good the damage from, or replacing any property destroyed as a result of, the commission of the relevant disciplinary offence and, in any event, must not exceed £2,000.

(5) A compensation requirement may be imposed instead of or in addition to any punishment imposed under rule 55 or 55A.

(6) A compensation requirement ceases to have effect after two years from the date on which it was imposed regardless of whether or not the full amount has been paid.]

Textual Amendments

[F156Review of adjudicator’s punishmentE+W

55B.—(1) A reviewer means [F157the Senior District Judge (Chief Magistrate)] or any deputy of such a judge as nominated by that judge.

(2) [F158Where an adjudicator imposes a punishment under rule 55A(1), a compensation requirement under rule 55AB(2) or both], a prisoner may, within 14 days of receipt of the punishment [F159or the imposition of the compensation requirement, whichever is later], request in writing that a reviewer conducts a review.

(3) The review must be commenced within 14 days of receipt of the request and must be conducted on the papers alone.

[F160(4) The review may be of the punishment, the compensation requirement or both (whether or not the prisoner requested a review of both) but must not be a review of the finding of guilt under rule 55A.]

(5) On completion of the review, if it appears to the reviewer that the [F161imposition of the punishment, the compensation requirement or both] was manifestly unreasonable he may [F162do such of the following as he considers appropriate]—

(a)reduce the number of any additional days awarded;

(b)for whatever punishment has been imposed by the adjudicator, substitute another punishment which is, in his opinion, less severe; F163...

(c)quash the punishment entirely;

[F164(d)reduce the amount of the compensation requirement.]

(6) A prisoner requesting a review shall serve any additional days awarded under rule 55A(1)(b) unless and until they are reduced.]

Textual Amendments

Forfeiture of remission to be treated as an award of additional daysE+W

56.—(1) In this rule, “existing prisoner" and “existing licensee" have the meanings assigned to them by paragraph 8(1) of Schedule 12 to the Criminal Justice Act 1991 M9.

(2) In relation to any existing prisoner or existing licensee who has forfeited any remission of his sentence, the provisions of Part II of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 shall apply as if he had been awarded such number of additional days as equals the numbers of days of remission which he has forfeited.

Marginal Citations

Offences committed by young personsE+W

57.—(1) In the case of an offence against discipline committed by an inmate who was under the age of 21 when the offence was committed (other than an offender in relation to whom the Secretary of State has given a direction under section 13(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 1982 M10 that he shall be treated as if he had been sentenced to imprisonment) rule 55 [F165or, as the case may be, rule 55A] shall have effect, but—

(a)the maximum period of forfeiture of privileges under rule 8 shall be 21 days;

(b)the maximum period of stoppage of or deduction from earnings shall be 42 days F166...;

(c)the maximum period of cellular confinement shall be [F167ten days];

[F168(d)the maximum period of removal from his cell or living unit shall be 21 days.]

(2) In the case of an inmate who has been sentenced to a term of youth custody or detention in a young offender institution, and by virtue of a direction of the Secretary of State under [F169section 99 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000] [F170or section 276 of the Sentencing Code], is treated as if he had been sentenced to imprisonment for that term, any punishment imposed on him for an offence against discipline before the said direction was given shall, if it has not been exhausted or remitted, [F171continue to have effect:

(a)if imposed by a governor, as if made pursuant to rule 55;

(b)if imposed by an adjudicator, as if made pursuant to rule 55A].

Textual Amendments

F166Words in rule 57(1)(b) omitted (15.8.2002) by virtue of The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2002 (S.I. 2002/2116), rule 1, Sch. para. 7(b)

F167Words in rule 57(1)(c) substituted (15.8.2002) by The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2002 (S.I. 2002/2116), rule 1, Sch. para. 7(c)

Marginal Citations

Cellular confinementE+W

[F17258.  Before deciding whether to impose a punishment of cellular confinement the governor, adjudicator or reviewer shall first enquire of a registered medical practitioner or registered nurse, [F173working within the prison], as to whether there are any medical reasons why the punishment is unsuitable and shall take this advice into account when making his decision.]

Textual Amendments

Prospective award of additional daysE+W

59.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), where an offence against discipline is committed by a prisoner who is detained only on remand, additional days may be awarded [F174by the adjudicator] notwithstanding that the prisoner has not (or had not at the time of the offence) been sentenced.

(2) An award of additional days under paragraph (1) shall have effect only if the prisoner in question subsequently becomes a F175... [F176fixed-term prisoner] whose sentence is reduced, under section 67 of the Criminal Justice Act 1967 M11 [F177or section 240 of the 2003 Act], by a period which includes the time when the offence against discipline was committed.

Textual Amendments

F174Words in rule 59(1) inserted (15.8.2002) by The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2002 (S.I. 2002/2116), rule 1, Sch. para. 8

F175Words in rule 59(2) omitted (13.8.2014 at 5.00 p.m.) by virtue of The Prison and Young Offender Institution (Amendment) Rules 2014 (S.I. 2014/2169), rules 1, 2(6)

Marginal Citations

[F178Removal from a cell or living unitE+W

59A.  Following the imposition of a punishment of removal from his cell or living unit, a prisoner shall be accommodated in a separate part of the prison under such restrictions of earnings and activities as the Secretary of State may direct.]

Textual Amendments

F178Rule 59A inserted (15.8.2002) by The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2002 (S.I. 2002/2116), rule 1, Sch. para. 9

[F179 Suspended punishmentsE+W

60.—(1) Subject to any directions given by the Secretary of State, the power to impose a disciplinary punishment (other than a caution or payback punishment) includes the power to give a suspended punishment direction.

(2) A suspended punishment direction is a direction that the punishment is not to take effect, unless the prisoner breaches a condition.

(3) A condition may be either that the prisoner—

(a)does not commit another offence against discipline during a specified period (a “non-offending condition”), or

(b)complies with or completes a specified rehabilitative activity during a specified period (a “rehabilitative condition”).

(4) For the purposes of paragraph (3), a condition’s specified period may not be any longer than six months from the date of the direction.

(5) An adjudicator may only give a suspended punishment direction containing a non-offending condition.

(6) A governor may give a suspended punishment direction containing either a non-offending condition or one or more rehabilitative conditions.

(7) Subject to paragraph (11), where a prisoner breaches a non-offending condition, the governor or adjudicator (as the case may be) must take one of the steps set out in paragraph (10).

(8) Where it appears to a governor that a prisoner may have breached a rehabilitative condition without good reason, the governor must inquire into, and come to a finding as to, whether they had done so.

(9) If a governor finds that a prisoner has without good reason breached a rehabilitative condition, the governor must take one of the steps set out in paragraph (10).

(10) The steps referred to in paragraphs (7) and (9) are—

(a)direct that the suspended punishment will be activated;

(b)reduce the period or amount of the suspended punishment and direct that it will be activated as so reduced;

(c)vary the original suspended punishment direction by substituting for the period specified a period expiring not later than six months from the date of variation;

(d)direct that the suspended punishment will not be activated and the suspended punishment direction will remain in force.

(11) A governor may not direct that a suspended punishment be activated where the suspended punishment is in respect of an award of additional days.]

Textual Amendments

Remission and mitigation of punishments [F180, variation of compensation requirements] and quashing of findings of guiltE+W

61.—(1) [F181Except in the case of a finding of guilt made, or a punishment imposed, by an adjudicator under rule 55A(1)] the Secretary of State may quash any finding of guilt and may remit any punishment or mitigate it either by reducing it or by substituting another award which is, in his opinion, less severe.

[F182(1A) Where a compensation requirement has been imposed by a governor under rule 55AB(2), the Secretary of State may reduce the amount of the requirement.]

[F183(2) Subject to any directions given by the Secretary of State, the governor may, on the grounds of good behaviour, remit or mitigate any punishment already imposed by an adjudicator [F184or governor].]

Textual Amendments

F184Words in rule 61(2) substituted (1.4.2008) by The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2008 (S.I. 2008/597), rules 1, 5

[F185Enforcement of compensation requirementsE+W

61A.—(1) Where a compensation requirement has been imposed under rule 55AB(2), the governor may debit any amount of money with which the prisoner has been credited in the books of the prison under rule 43(3) in order to recover the whole or part of the amount required to be paid under the compensation requirement.

(2) The amount debited under paragraph (1) on any occasion must not be such as to reduce below £5 the amount with which the prisoner is credited in the books of the prison under rule 43(3).

(3) Where—

(a)a compensation requirement has been imposed under rule 60AB(2) of the Young Offender Rules 2000, and

(b)the person against whom the compensation requirement was imposed is detained in a prison,

the compensation order may be enforced under paragraph (1) as if it was a compensation requirement imposed under rule 55AB(2).]

Textual Amendments

PART IIIE+W OFFICERS OR PRISONS

General duty of officersE+W

62.—(1) It shall be the duty of every officer to conform to these Rules and the rules and regulations of the prison, to assist and support the governor in their maintenance and to obey his lawful instructions.

(2) An officer shall inform the governor promptly of any abuse or impropriety which comes to his knowledge.

Gratuities forbiddenE+W

63.  No officer shall receive any unauthorised fee, gratuity or other consideration in connection with his office.

Search of officersE+W

64.  An officer shall submit himself to be searched in the prison if the governor so directs. Any such search shall be conducted in as seemly a manner as is consistent with discovering anything concealed.

Transactions with prisonersE+W

65.—(1) No officer shall take part in any business or pecuniary transaction with or on behalf of a prisoner without the leave of the Secretary of State.

(2) No officer shall without authority bring in or take out, or attempt to bring in or take out, or knowingly allow to be brought in or taken out, to or for a prisoner, or deposit in any place with intent that it shall come into the possession of a prisoner, any article whatsoever.

Contact with former prisonersE+W

66.  No officer shall, without the knowledge of the governor, communicate with any person whom he knows to be a former prisoner or a relative or friend of a prisoner or former prisoner.

Communications to the pressE+W

67.—(1) No officer shall make, directly or indirectly, any unauthorised communication to a representative of the press or any other person concerning matters which have become known to him in the course of his duty.

(2) No officer shall, without authority, publish any matter or make any public pronouncement relating to the administration of any institution to which the Prison Act 1952 applies or to any of its inmates.

Code of disciplineE+W

68.  The Secretary of State may approve a code of discipline to have effect in relation to officers, or such classes of officers as it may specify, setting out the offences against discipline, the awards which may be made in respect of them and the procedure for dealing with charges.

EmergenciesE+W

69.  Where any constable or member of the armed forces of the Crown is employed by reason of any emergency to assist the governor of a prison by performing duties ordinarily performed by an officer of a prison, any reference in Part II of these Rules to such an officer (other than a governor) shall be construed as including a reference to a constable or a member of the armed forces of the Crown so employed.

PART IVE+W PERSONS HAVING ACCESS TO A PRISON

Prohibited articlesE+W

70.  No person shall, without authority, convey into or throw into or deposit in a prison, or convey or throw out of a prison, or convey to a prisoner, or deposit in any place with intent that it shall come into the possession of a prisoner, any F186... article whatever. Anything so conveyed, thrown or deposited may be confiscated by the governor.

Textual Amendments

F186Words in rule 70 omitted (1.4.2008) by virtue of The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2008 (S.I. 2008/597), rules 1, 6

[F187List C ArticlesE+W

70A.  A List C article is any article or substance in the following list—

(a)tobacco;

(b)money;

(c)clothing;

(d)food;

(e)drink;

(f)letters;

(g)paper;

(h)books;

(i)tools;

(j)information technology equipment;

[F188(k)electronic cigarettes;

(l)matches;

(m)lighters.]]

Textual Amendments

Control of persons and vehiclesE+W

71.—[F189(1) Any person or vehicle entering or leaving a prison may be stopped, examined and searched and in addition any such person may be photographed, fingerprinted or required to submit to other physical measurement.]

[F190(1A) Any such search of a person shall be carried out in as seemly a manner as is consistent with discovering anything concealed about the person or their belongings.]

(2) The governor may direct the removal from a prison of any person who does not leave on being required to do so.

Textual Amendments

Viewing of prisonsE+W

72.—(1) No outside person shall be permitted to view a prison unless authorised by statute or the Secretary of State.

(2) No person viewing the prison shall be permitted to take a photograph, make a sketch or communicate with a prisoner unless authorised by statute or the Secretary of State.

VisitorsE+W

73.—[F191(1) Without prejudice to any other powers to prohibit or restrict entry to prisons, or his powers under rules 34 and 35, the Secretary of State may prohibit visits by a person to a prison or to a prisoner in a prison for such periods of time as he considers necessary if the Secretary of State considers that such a prohibition is—

(a)necessary on grounds specified in rule 35A(4); and

(b)is proportionate to what is sought to be achieved by the prohibition.]

[F192(1A) During a coronavirus period, the Secretary of State may prohibit visits by all persons or classes of persons to a prison or to a prisoner in a prison for such periods of time as the Secretary of State considers necessary, if the Secretary of State considers that such prohibition is necessary as a result of the effects, or likely effects, of coronavirus on or in relation to prisoners or the prison.]

(2) [F193Paragraph (1)] [F193Paragraphs (1) and (1A)] shall not apply in relation to any visit to a prison or prisoner by a member of the [F194independent monitoring board] of the prison, or justice of the peace, or to prevent any visit by a legal adviser for the purposes of an interview under rule 38 or visit allowed by the [F194independent monitoring board] under rule 35(6).

Textual Amendments

F194Words in rule 73(2) substituted (1.4.2008) by The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2008 (S.I. 2008/597), rules 1, 4(a)

PART VE+W [F195INDEPENDENT MONITORING BOARD]

Textual Amendments

Disqualification for membershipE+W

74.  Any person, directly or indirectly interested in any contract for the supply of [F196goods or] services to a prison, shall not be a member of the [F197independent monitoring board] for that prison and any member who becomes so interested in such a contract shall vacate office as a member.

Textual Amendments

F197Words in rule 74 substituted (1.4.2008) by The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2008 (S.I. 2008/597), rules 1, 4(a)

[F198Independent monitoring board] E+W

75.—(1) A member of the board of visitors for a prison appointed by the Secretary of State under section 6(2) of the Prison Act 1952 M12 shall subject to paragraphs (3) and (4) hold office for three years, or such lesser period as the Secretary of State may appoint.

(2) A member—

(a)appointed for the first time to the [F199independent monitoring board] for a particular prison; or

(b)reappointed to the board following a gap of a year or more in his membership of it,

shall, during the period of 12 months following the date on which he is so appointed or (as the case may be) reappointed, undertake such training as may reasonably be required by the Secretary of State.

(3) The Secretary of State may terminate the appointment of a member if he is satisfied that—

(a)he has failed satisfactorily to perform his duties;

(b)he has failed to undertake training he has been required to undertake under paragraph (2), by the end of the period specified in that paragraph;

(c)he is by reason of physical or mental illness, or for any other reason, incapable of carrying out his duties;

(d)he has been convicted of such a criminal offence, or his conduct has been such, that it is not in the Secretary of State’s opinion fitting that he should remain a member; or

(e)there is, or appears to be or could appear to be, any conflict of interest between the member performing his duties as a member and any interest of that member, whether personal, financial or otherwise.

(4) Where the Secretary of State:

(a)has reason to suspect that a member of the [F200independent monitoring board] for a prison may have so conducted himself that his appointment may be liable to be terminated under paragraph (3)(a) or (d); and

(b)is of the opinion that the suspected conduct is of such a serious nature that the member cannot be permitted to continue to perform his functions as a member of the board pending the completion of the Secretary of State’s investigations into the matter and any decision as to whether the member’s appointment should be terminated,

he may suspend the member from office for such period or periods as he may reasonably require in order to complete his investigations and determine whether or not the appointment of the member should be so terminated; and a member so suspended shall not, during the period of his suspension, be regarded as being a member of the board, other than for the purposes of this paragraph and paragraphs (1) and (3).

(5) A board shall have a chairman and a vice chairman who shall be members of the board.

(6) The Secretary of State shall—

(a)upon the constitution of a board for the first time, appoint a chairman and a vice chairman to hold office for a period not exceeding twelve months;

(b)thereafter appoint, before the date of the first meeting of the board in any year of office of the board, a chairman and vice chairman for that year, having first consulted the board; and

(c)promptly fill, after first having consulted the board, any casual vacancy in the office of chairman or vice chairman.

(7) The Secretary of State may terminate the appointment of a member as chairman or vice chairman of the board if he is satisfied that the member has—

(a)failed satisfactorily to perform his functions as chairman (or as the case may be) vice chairman;

(b)has grossly misconducted himself while performing those functions.

Textual Amendments

F198 Rule 75 heading substituted (1.4.2008) by The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2008 (S.I. 2008/597), rules 1, 4(b)

F199Words in rule 75(2) substituted (1.4.2008) by The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2008 (S.I. 2008/597), rules 1, 4(a)

F200Words in rule 75(4) substituted (1.4.2008) by The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2008 (S.I. 2008/597), rules 1, 4(a)

Marginal Citations

Proceedings of boardsE+W

76.—(1) The [F201independent monitoring board] for a prison shall meet at the prison once a month or, if they resolve for reasons specified in the resolution that less frequent meetings are sufficient, not fewer than eight times in twelve months.

(2) The board may fix a quorum of not fewer than three members for proceedings.

(3) The board shall keep minutes of their proceedings.

(4) The proceedings of the board shall not be invalidated by any vacancy in the membership or any defect in the appointment of a member.

Textual Amendments

F201Words in rule 76(1) substituted (1.4.2008) by The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2008 (S.I. 2008/597), rules 1, 4(a)

General duties of boardsE+W

77.—(1) The [F202independent monitoring board] for a prison shall satisfy themselves as to the state of the prison premises, the administration of the prison and the treatment of the prisoners.

(2) The board shall inquire into and report upon any matter into which the Secretary of State asks them to inquire.

(3) The board shall direct the attention of the governor to any matter which calls for his attention, and shall report to the Secretary of State any matter which they consider it expedient to report.

(4) The board shall inform the Secretary of State immediately of any abuse which comes to their knowledge.

(5) Before exercising any power under these Rules the board and any member of the board shall consult the governor in relation to any matter which may affect discipline.

Textual Amendments

F202Words in rule 77(1) substituted (1.4.2008) by The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2008 (S.I. 2008/597), rules 1, 4(a)

Particular dutiesE+W

78.—(1) The [F203independent monitoring board] for a prison and any member of the board shall hear any complaint or request which a prisoner wishes to make to them or him.

(2) The board shall arrange for the food of the prisoners to be inspected by a member of the board at frequent intervals.

(3) The board shall inquire into any report made to them, whether or not by a member of the board, that a prisoner’s health, mental or physical, is likely to be injuriously affected by any conditions of his imprisonment.

Textual Amendments

F203Words in rule 78(1) substituted (1.4.2008) by The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2008 (S.I. 2008/597), rules 1, 4(a)

Members visiting prisonsE+W

79.—(1) The members of the [F204independent monitoring board] for a prison shall visit the prison frequently, and the board shall arrange a rota whereby at least one of its members visits the prison between meetings of the board.

(2) A member of the board shall have access at any time to every part of the prison and to every prisoner, and he may interview any prisoner out of the sight and hearing of officers.

[F205(3) A member of the board shall have access to the records of the prison, except that members of the board shall not have access to any records held for the purposes of or relating to conduct authorised in accordance with Part 2 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.]

Textual Amendments

F204Words in rule 79(1) substituted (1.11.2007) by The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2007 (S.I. 2007/2954), rules 1, 3(a)

Annual reportE+W

80.—(1) The [F206independent monitoring board] for a prison shall, in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3) below, from time to time make a report to the Secretary of State concerning the state of the prison and its administration, including in it any advice and suggestions they consider appropriate.

(2) The board shall comply with any directions given to them from time to time by the Secretary of State as to the following matters:

(a)the period to be covered by a report under paragraph (1);

(b)the frequency with which such a report is to be made; and

(c)the length of time from the end of the period covered by such a report within which it is to be made;

either in respect of a particular report or generally; providing that no directions may be issued under this paragraph if they would have the effect of requiring a board to make or deliver a report less frequently than once in every 12 months.

(3) Subject to any directions given to them under paragraph (2), the board shall, under paragraph (1), make an annual report to the Secretary of State as soon as reasonably possible after 31st December each year, which shall cover the period of 12 months ending on that date or, in the case of a board constituted for the first time during that period, such part of that period during which the board has been in existence.

Textual Amendments

F206Words in rule 80(1) substituted (1.4.2008) by The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2008 (S.I. 2008/597), rules 1, 4(a)

PART VIE+W SUPPLEMENTAL

Delegation by governorE+W

81.  The governor of a prison may, with the leave of the Secretary of State, delegate any of his powers and duties under these Rules to another officer of that prison.

Contracted out prisonsE+W

82.—(1) Where the Secretary of State has entered into a contract for the running of a prison under section 84 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 M13 (“the 1991 Act") these Rules shall have effect in relation to that prison with the following modifications—

(a)references to an officer in the Rules shall include references to a prisoner custody officer certified as such under section 89(1) of the 1991 Act and performing custodial duties;

(b)references to a governor in the Rules shall include references to a director approved by the Secretary of State for the purposes of section 85(1)(a) of the 1991 Act except—

[F207(i)in rule 81 the reference to a governor shall include a reference to a controller appointed by the Secretary of State under section 85(1)(b) of the 1991 Act;]

(ii)in rules 62(1), 66 and 77 where references to a governor shall include references to the director and the controller; and

[F208(iii)in rules 45, 48, 49, 53, 53A, [F20953B,] 54, 55, [F21055AB,] 57, 60, 61 [F210and 61A] where references to a governor shall include a reference to the director or the controller;]

(c)rule 68 shall not apply in relation to a prisoner custody officer certified as such under section 89(1) of the 1991 Act and performing custodial duties.

[F211(1A) The director of a prison may, with the leave of the Secretary of State, delegate any of his powers and duties under rules 45, 48, 49, 53, 53A, [F21253B,] 55, [F21355AB,] 57, 60, 61 [F213and 61A] to another officer of that prison.]

F214(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F207Rule 82(1)(b)(i) substituted (1.11.2007) by The Prison (Amendment) Rules 2007 (S.I. 2007/2954), rules 1, 4

Marginal Citations

Contracted out parts of prisonsE+W

83.  Where the Secretary of State has entered into a contract for the running of part of a prison under section 84(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 1991, that part and the remaining part shall each be treated for the purposes of Parts II to IV and Part VI of these Rules as if they were separate prisons.

Contracted out functions at directly managed prisonsE+W

84.—(1) Where the Secretary of State has entered into a contract under section 88A(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 (“the 1991 Act") for any functions at a directly managed prison to be performed by prisoner custody officers who are authorised to perform custodial duties under section 89(1) of the 1991 Act, references to an officer in these Rules shall, subject to paragraph (2), include references to a prisoner custody officer who is so authorised and who is performing contracted out functions for the purposes of, or for purposes connected with, the prison.

(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to references to an officer in rule 68.

(3) In this rule, “directly managed prison" has the meaning assigned to it by section 88A(5) of the 1991 Act.

Revocations and savingsE+W

85.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) below, the Rules specified in [F215Schedule 1] to these Rules are hereby revoked.

(2) Without prejudice to the Interpretation Act 1978 M14, where a prisoner committed an offence against discipline contrary to rule 47 of the Prison Rules 1964 M15 prior to the coming into force of these Rules, those rules shall continue to have effect to permit the prisoner to be charged with such an offence, disciplinary proceedings in relation to such an offence to be continued, and the governor to impose punishment for such an offence.

(3) Without prejudice to the Interpretation Act 1978, any award of additional days or other punishment or suspended punishment for an offence against discipline awarded or imposed under any provision of the rules revoked by this rule, or those rules as saved by paragraph (2), or treated by any such provision as having been awarded or imposed under the rules revoked by this rule, shall have effect as if awarded or imposed under the corresponding provision of these Rules.

Textual Amendments

Marginal Citations

Jack Straw

One of Her Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State

Home Office

Rule 85

[F216SCHEDULE 1] E+W

Textual Amendments

Rules RevokedS.I. number
The Prison Rules 19641964/388
The Prison (Amendment) Rules 19681968/440
The Prison (Amendment) Rules 19711971/2019
The Prison (Amendment) Rules 19721972/1860
The Prison (Amendment) Rules 19741974/713
The Prison (Amendment) Rules 19761976/503
The Prison (Amendment) Rules 19811981/70
The Prison (Amendment) Rules 19821982/260
The Prison (Amendment) Rules 19831983/568
The Prison (Amendment) Rules 19871987/1256
The Prison (Amendment) Rules 19881988/89
The Prison (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 19881988/747
The Prison (Amendment) (No. 3) Rules 19881988/1421
The Prison (Amendment) Rules 19891989/330
The Prison (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 19891989/2141
The Prison (Amendment) Rules 19901990/1762
The Prison (Amendment) Rules 19921992/514
The Prison (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 19921992/2080
The Prison (Amendment) Rules 19931993/516
The Prison (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 19931993/3075
The Prison (Amendment) Rules 19941994/3195
The Prison (Amendment) Rules 19951995/983
The Prison (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 19951995/1598
The Prison (Amendment) Rules 19961996/1663
The Prison (Amendment) Rules 19981998/23
The Prison (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 19981998/1544

Rule 2(1)

F217SCHEDULE 2E+WDefinition of specified drug

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Rules)

These Rules make provision for the management of prisons, including the treatment of prisoners, the conduct of prison officers and the powers and duties of boards of visitors. They revoke and replace the Prison Rules 1964 (S.I. 1964/388), as amended.

The provisions of the new Rules generally re-enact those of the previous Rules, but certain modifications have been made to the latter. The principal changes of substance are listed below.

Provision is made to provide for the possibility of distance learning in rule 32 (Education).

In rule 34 (Communications) references to restrictions on telecommunications and visits have been added.

A search under rule 41(3) shall not take place in the sight of a person of the opposite sex. Any confinement in a special cell which lasts beyond 24 hours has to be authorised by a member of the board of visitors (rule 48).

In rule 51 (Offences against discipline) a new offence of receiving an article or controlled drugs during a visit has been added, and the general offence of “in any way offends against good order and discipline" has been removed.

Rule 55 (Governor’s punishments) has been changed so that a caution shall not be combined with any other punishment and the total award of cellular confinement shall not exceed 14 days, and the Secretary of State has been given a power to issue guidelines for punishments.

Rule 73 (Visitors) adds powers to prohibit certain visitors.

Rules 74 and 75 (Boards of visitors) have been changed so as to amplify the circumstances in which a person is prohibited from being a member of a board of visitors and to give to the Secretary of State a discretion to terminate the appointment of a board member with a conflict of interest.

In addition to these and other minor changes, certain provisions from the Prison Rules 1964 are omitted as obsolete, for example, the rules dealing with prisoners under sentence of death.