Going to Prison

    What to Pack for Prison: Sentencing Day Bag Guide

    If there is any real chance you will be sent to prison from court, pack a small bag the night before. Most of what you bring will go into stored property and be returned on release, but a few items can travel with you to reception. Get this right and your first 48 hours will be much easier.

    What You Can Usually Keep in Reception

    Reception staff have discretion, but the items below are routinely allowed through in most adult prisons in England and Wales:

  1. A list of phone numbers written on paper — you will not have your phone, so memorise or write down the numbers of family, your solicitor and your employer.
  2. Your wedding ring and one plain chain, subject to search.
  3. Prescription medication in its original, labelled packaging, with a copy of the prescription if possible.
  4. Reading glasses or spectacles in a soft case.
  5. A small amount of cash, usually up to around £50, which will be paid into your prison account.
  6. A single small religious item such as a cross, prayer beads or a copy of a holy text.

    7. What to Wear to Court

    Wear comfortable, plain clothes you would be content to live in for several days. Most adult prisons allow you to keep your own clothing once you arrive, but the first night you may be in what you stood up in. Avoid:

  7. Belts, ties and laces — these are usually removed in the dock.
  8. Hoodies with strings, or any clothing with metal fastenings that will set off the scanner repeatedly.
  9. Football tops, gang colours or anything with overt branding that could attract trouble on the wing.
  10. Expensive trainers, jewellery or watches — these go into stored property and are a target if they do not.

    11. What to Leave at Home

    Do not bring electronics, headphones, vapes, lighters, knives of any kind, supplements or vitamins, food, alcohol or anything in unlabelled bottles. Cash above the reception limit will be stored and paid in slowly. Bank cards, driving licences and passports are stored on your behalf.

    Anything that could be considered a weapon, including nail files and tweezers, will be confiscated. Do not try to argue the point — it wastes goodwill you will want later.

    What Your Family Can Send In Later

    Once you are settled, your family can send a property parcel through the prison's nominated supplier — usually one parcel within the first 28 days. Typical allowed items include:

  11. Plain clothing: tracksuits, t-shirts, underwear, socks, trainers without metal.
  12. Up to a small number of books, photographs (no Polaroids) and letters.
  13. A religious item if not already issued.

    14. Each prison publishes a "facilities list" on its GOV.UK page setting out exactly what is allowed in possession. Ask your family to check it before they post anything, or the parcel will be returned at their expense.

    A Practical Sentencing Day Checklist

  14. Small bag with the items listed above.
  15. Written list of important phone numbers, your National Insurance number and your GP details.
  16. Two weeks of any regular medication in original packaging.
  17. A short handwritten letter to yourself with the names and contact details of people who will support you — it helps when you cannot remember anything on the first night.
  18. House keys, car keys, work pass and phone handed to a trusted person before you go into the dock.

    19. Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I take my mobile phone into prison?

    No. Phones are not permitted and possession of one inside is a separate criminal offence. Hand it to a family member before the hearing.

    Can I keep my own clothes?

    In most adult prisons you can wear your own clothes once your property has been processed and any items on the facilities list have been issued in possession. Remand prisoners can usually wear their own clothes throughout.

    What happens to my cash?

    Cash up to the reception limit is paid into your prison spending account. Larger amounts are stored and released to a nominated person or held until release.

    Can I bring my own pillow or duvet?

    No. Bedding is issued by the prison. Personal bedding is not permitted on arrival.

    Are vapes allowed?

    Vapes are not permitted on arrival but can be bought from the prison canteen each week once you are settled.

    *Last updated: June 2026.*

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